ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to establish a new UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council, following the launch of the inaugural UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.
The council will bring together senior business leaders and government officials to facilitate high-value trade and investment.
The council will provide strategic advice on policy reform, offer a confidential forum for engagement, and help promote commercial opportunities by addressing market access challenges and sharing best practices.
The trade talks were co-chaired by the UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, Douglas Alexander, and Pakistan’s Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, in London on Monday.
Both ministers agreed to annual ministerial meetings to unlock growth opportunities and support businesses and investors in the UK and Pakistan.
Speaking at the meeting, the UK Trade Minister said: “Today’s Dialogue marks the next step in our long-standing relationship with Pakistan, taking our trading partnership to the next level and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both our countries.’’
“By deepening cooperation in key sectors like healthcare and digital technology – areas central to the UK’s Industrial Strategy – we can drive growth, foster innovation, and create jobs.”
Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal said: “The UK remains one of Pakistan’s most important economic partners. This Dialogue lays the foundation for a more structured and forward-looking trade relationship.”
“By strengthening collaboration and aligning our priorities, we can expand bilateral trade, attract greater investment, and create sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both nations,” the minister added.
The UK has also announced up to £200,000 to support Pakistan’s aspirations to attract investment from the UK.
The funds will provide technical assistance for investor outreach and support matchmaking between Pakistani investors and UK-based opportunities.
This initiative reflects the UK’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s ambitions to increase outbound investment and to strengthen the bilateral investment relationship.
The dialogue highlighted shared ambition to build on recent momentum, with bilateral trade increasing by 7.3 percent during the final quarter of last year.
Bilateral trade is currently valued at £4.7 billion. Monday’s discussion focused on key sectors, including information technology and healthcare, two priority areas under the UK’s Industrial Strategy.
The UK’s Industrial Strategy presents a significant opportunity for businesses and investors. The UK is committed to making it easier, faster, and more predictable for international firms to operate in its market.
This includes reforms in skills development, innovation, regulation, and planning, creating a more dynamic and open business environment.
