Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Khan Gandapur Wednesday held an introductory meeting with the newly appointed US Consul General in Peshawar, Thomas Eckert, to discuss avenues of cooperation, investment, and ongoing development initiatives in the province. Senior officials from the provincial government and the US Consulate also attended the meeting.
According to officials, the meeting focused on matters of mutual interest, including US-supported projects in social sectors, as well as prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation. Both sides agreed to broaden the scope of collaboration, with particular emphasis on sustainable development and investment-driven growth.
Chief Minister Gandapur appreciated the decades-long cooperation of American institutions in health, education, and other social sectors, but stressed that the provincial government seeks to move beyond aid. “We want not only aid but also investment, not only aid but also trade,” he said, highlighting investment opportunities in hydropower, tourism, minerals, agriculture, and water resource management.
The Chief Minister assured that the provincial government would welcome American investors in these sectors and provide all possible facilities to ensure ease of business. He underlined that significant efforts are being made to strengthen potential growth areas as part of a long-term economic development strategy.
Gandapur also discussed the challenges facing the province, including terrorism, climate change, and drug trafficking. He said the government was preparing a comprehensive plan to counter the impacts of climate change and was in the process of procuring modern scanners to curb drug smuggling.
Highlighting the province’s mineral wealth, the Chief Minister said that investment in this sector would be encouraged, particularly from companies that commit to value addition within the province.
Consul General Eckert assured of continued US cooperation and acknowledged the importance of deepening ties with the province through mutual investment and partnership in key sectors.