Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi held a high-level meeting with US Consul General Thomas Eckert at the Chief Minister’s House, focusing on trade, investment, minerals, energy, and security cooperation. The discussion also included strategies for counter-terrorism and anti-narcotics efforts.
Eckert emphasized that trade diplomacy is a cornerstone of US foreign policy and said promoting economic diplomacy strengthens overall peace and stability. He noted that partnerships in minerals and energy would further reinforce economic collaboration.
CM Afridi highlighted that under the KP Minerals Act, the local population is given priority in investment projects. He assured that private investments benefiting local communities would be fully supported and facilitated.
“The public interest remains our top priority,” Afridi said. “The provincial government is working on small hydropower projects and dams to provide affordable and clean energy to the people.”
He added that KP was the most affected province in the fight against terrorism following 9/11. “Now, the government is focusing on infrastructure, institutional strengthening, and capacity building. Rare mineral resources in the merged districts will be utilized to directly benefit local communities.”
During the meeting, officials discussed organizing a Business and Investment Roadshow to promote global trade. Proposals were also made to invite leaseholders of valuable and rare minerals to participate in the event.
