U.S. corporations are showing interest in investing in Pakistan's rich mineral resources, particularly its significant copper and gold deposits, as per a statement from the Pakistani government on Wednesday. Eric Meyer, the Senior Bureau Official for South and Central Asian Affairs at the State Department, expressed this interest to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a meeting in Islamabad. This discussion took place after Meyer participated in the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum, which aims to attract foreign investments into the country's mining sector. Besides copper and gold, Pakistan also possesses lithium and other valuable minerals.

The forum has attracted various international companies like Canada's Barrick Gold, alongside government representatives from the U.S., Saudi Arabia, China, Turkey, the UK, Azerbaijan, and other nations. Pakistan's large copper and gold reserves are located in Balochistan's Reko Diq district, which has faced security challenges due to increased attacks by Baloch separatists. Despite this, Pakistan's army chief Gen. Asim Munir assured foreign investors about their security at the summit.

It was mentioned in the statement that Meyer recognizes the potential of Pakistan's mineral resources and that American companies are keen on exploring investment prospects. There is a mutual interest in expanding cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan, particularly in areas like trade, investment, and counterterrorism. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted the vast opportunities in Pakistan's minerals sector and encouraged American corporations to leverage these possibilities.

Additionally, Sharif expressed Pakistan's willingness to strengthen relations with the Trump administration. Meyer's visit marks the first by a U.S. official from the Trump administration post the imposition of a 29% tariff on Pakistani exports during the ongoing trade war.