Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and United States Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker convened a meeting to deliberate on enhancing bilateral economic relations, accelerating trade agreement negotiations, and exploring expanded market access and cooperation opportunities in agriculture, minerals, and investment.
According to Press Information Department: The meeting, held in Islamabad, was attended by key officials, including Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, and senior Ministry of Commerce representatives. The dialogue underscored the potential to boost bilateral trade through enhanced market access and increased private-sector engagement.
Discussions reviewed the progress of the ongoing Pakistan-U.S. bilateral reciprocal trade agreement negotiations, with both sides expressing a commitment to advancing discussions towards a mutually beneficial outcome. Key topics included market access for Pakistani agricultural products, with a focus on mangoes and dates, and the potential for U.S. exports of cotton and soybeans to Pakistan.
Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul highlighted competitive pricing and trade financing as crucial elements for facilitating greater imports from the United States. The meeting also addressed opportunities for American companies to invest in Pakistan’s agricultural sector, particularly in areas like food processing technologies and cold-chain infrastructure.
The dialogue extended to include discussions on mineral sector cooperation, with the U.S. delegation indicating interest in contributing technical expertise and investment. The strategic industrial potential of Hub, Balochistan, and regional trade connectivity challenges were also key points of discussion.
Concluding the meeting, both sides emphasized continued dialogue and cooperation to advance trade negotiations and explore new opportunities for economic collaboration, reaffirming a commitment to a forward-looking economic partnership.