ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: Pakistan has ramped up efforts to finalize a long-awaited trade agreement with the United States, dispatching senior government officials to Washington for high-level negotiations, Bloomberg reported.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is currently in the US for a UN Security Council event but is also expected to meet US State Department officials, including spokesperson Tammy Bruce, who confirmed her participation in the talks.
Simultaneously, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held meetings in Washington with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to advance discussions on bilateral trade cooperation.
What’s on the Table?
Pakistan has reportedly offered to boost imports of US cotton and soybeans in an effort to strengthen trade ties. The United States remains Pakistan’s single largest export market, making this deal crucial for Islamabad’s economic revival.
The negotiations come at a time of gradually improving US-Pakistan relations, which have seen renewed momentum after recent high-level engagements.
Why Now?
With Pakistan facing economic pressures and the need to expand export markets, officials hope that finalizing this deal will unlock new opportunities for trade, investment, and industrial growth.
Meanwhile, the US is keen to enhance its trade footprint in South Asia, particularly in sectors like agriculture, technology, and textiles, where Pakistan has strong export potential.
More details on the trade framework are expected following the conclusion of these meetings.
