Pakistan and the United States have agreed to expedite the finalization of a long-awaited bilateral trade agreement aimed at deepening economic cooperation and attracting investment. This consensus was reached during a high-level virtual meeting between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Muhammad Aurangzeb, and US Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick. The engagement reflects a renewed push by both nations to reset and strengthen economic ties amid shifting global trade dynamics.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the two sides exchanged views on tariff structures and regulatory frameworks, while identifying areas of mutual interest in trade and investment. The discussions also touched upon market access, value chain integration, and the removal of non-tariff barriers. Both parties reaffirmed their strategic commitment to economic diplomacy and agreed to hold further technical-level talks in the near future to iron out specifics.

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Finance Minister Aurangzeb, speaking separately at an event in Islamabad, voiced optimism about Pakistan’s export trajectory, citing policy reforms and enhanced global engagement as key drivers. He underscored the government s commitment to revitalizing the export sector by implementing structural reforms in tax administration, the energy market, and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). These changes, he said, are critical to creating a competitive industrial environment and boosting long-term economic resilience.

The dialogue with the US also signals Islamabad’s broader intent to diversify its trade portfolio and secure favorable terms with major economies. As global economic partnerships become more strategic, such bilateral agreements are seen as vital instruments to promote investor confidence, encourage innovation, and foster sustainable growth in developing markets like Pakistan.