PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi on Wednesday held a meeting with United States Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Ms. Natalie A. Baker at Governor House to discuss ways to enhance cooperation in investment, education, sports diplomacy, tourism, regional peace and economic development.
The meeting was attended by U.S. Consul General for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Thomas Eckert, PPP Parliamentary Leader in the KP Assembly Ahmed Karim Kundi and Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Shahab Ali Shah.
During the meeting, the Governor highlighted the province’s vast investment potential, particularly in minerals, gemstones, hydropower, natural gas, water resources and tourism, with special emphasis on religious tourism.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa possessed abundant reserves of precious stones and gemstones, offering significant opportunities for international investment and private-sector participation in value-addition projects in the mines and minerals sector.
Governor Kundi also proposed promoting business-to-business collaboration and partnerships with local communities to facilitate investment.
Referring to recent regional developments, he said peace and stability would enable Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to fully capitalize on its natural resources and attract greater foreign investment.
Natalie A. Baker acknowledged the province’s strong economic potential despite prevailing security perceptions and encouraged the Governor to engage with members of the U.S. Congress, officials of the U.S. Department of State and leading policy think tanks during his proposed visit to the United States.
She also suggested that the Governor be accompanied by a business delegation to showcase Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s investment opportunities and proposed exploring sister-city partnerships, including with Houston.
The meeting also discussed sports diplomacy, with Ms. Baker appreciating the Governor’s efforts to promote cricket and other sports in the province.
Governor Kundi briefed the delegation on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Champions League and his planned Governor XI cricket and football matches involving members of the diplomatic community, saying the initiatives were aimed at strengthening people-to-people contacts through sports.
The two sides also exchanged views on the security situation in the province and the fight against terrorism.
The Governor stressed that alongside effective security measures, expanding access to quality education and creating employment opportunities were essential to preventing extremism and ensuring lasting peace.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing cooperation in investment, trade, education, sports diplomacy and people-to-people exchanges while exploring new avenues of partnership between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the United States.
