United States Ambassador Donald Blome on Tuesday visited the southwestern port city of Gwadar, the key hub for China-backed economic corridor and a lynchpin of China's global economic corridor, Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
During his visit, he also showcased America's "Green Alliance" framework with Pakistan that addresses the critical needs of climate, energy, water, and economy.
A statement released after his visit said that Blome reaffirmed America's enduring commitment to Balochistan during the trip.
Blome held dialogues with local political leaders, representatives from the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce, and various government and private sector leaders. He reaffirmed US support for Balochistan's development in areas such as economic growth, disaster relief, security, trade, and investment.
Visiting port
During his visit, Donald Blome was given a tour of the Gwadar Port, which has been developed and expanded with Chinese help.
Blome also held a discussion with Gwadar Port Authority Chairman Pasand Khan Buledi, where potential development plans and Gwadar's role as a regional trans-shipment hub were explored. The conversation also touched on avenues for connecting Gwadar with Pakistan's largest export market, the United States.
The meeting came days after the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in neighbouring India with the European Union and the Gulf states of the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, to set up a trans-continental economic corridor, one which not only bypasses the BRI and CPEC but also Pakistan.
Later, Ambassador Blome visited the Pakistan Naval West Command, where regional issues were discussed. Both sides emphasised the continued partnership between the United States and Pakistan in the years to come.
Green Alliance
Meetings at the Gwadar Chamber of Commerce and Industry centred on strategies to increase American trade and investment in key sectors, including business, logistics, tourism, fisheries, and the blue economy. The aim, Blome explained, was to foster Pakistan-led growth, generate job opportunities across Balochistan, and enhance technical skills while promoting bilateral trade.
In interactions with government officials and businesspeople, Ambassador Blome showcased the "Green Alliance" framework set up between the US and Pakistan. He noted that under the alliance, US assistance has already aided over 12,000 farmers, including many in Balochistan, in improving yields and reducing losses through advanced technology and management practices.
"We are especially focused on supporting Balochistan and all of Pakistan as it strengthens climate resilience, pursues energy transformation, and fosters inclusive economic growth," he said.
Ambassador Blome also highlighted measures Pakistan can take to enhance its investment climate.
Historically, he said that the United States has collaborated effectively with Balochistan, notably during the devastating floods last year when Washington provided essential aid to 661,000 individuals, including food and cash assistance, and ensured that nearly 90,000 children received nourishing meals.
Furthermore, 41 health facilities were renovated with US support over the past year.
The educational landscape has also been positively impacted, with programmes at BUITEMS and Sardar Bahadur Khan Women's University being strengthened and a focus on developing literacy and education materials in Balochi and various local languages.
Later, during a press stakeout with local journalists, Ambassador Blome expressed his intent to suggest his parent department to open a Balochi language service in the US' external media arm, Voice of America.