Key points:
- Pakistan-US trade talks have advanced significantly
- Remaining issues to be resolved through technical discussions
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have made significant progress in negotiations on a proposed reciprocal trade framework, with both sides agreeing to expedite technical talks on the agreement, Pakistan’s Finance Division said on Wednesday.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held a virtual meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to review the negotiations and build on recent discussions in Washington.
Both sides said the talks had advanced significantly and reaffirmed their commitment to resolving the remaining issues through continued engagement.
Pakistan seeks stronger trade ties with the US.
Aurangzeb said a stronger trade and investment relationship with the United States would support Pakistan’s export-led growth strategy. Strengthening the bilateral relations with the US would improve economic resilience and create commercial opportunities for businesses in both countries.
He also stressed the importance of continued cooperation with the US Export-Import Bank (EXIM) to facilitate bilateral trade and investment.
Greer welcomed Pakistan’s continued engagement and cited progress on labour and regulatory reforms. According to the US Trade Representative, the meeting covered measures related to compliance with forced-labour standards. He said the remaining issues could be addressed through continued technical-level negotiations.
The two sides agreed to maintain close coordination and accelerate technical discussions to finalise the framework.
The negotiations are in line with Washington under President Donald Trump pursuing reciprocal trade arrangements with trading partners.
Under the incumbent administration’s trade policy, the US is seeking greater market access for US goods and more balanced trade relationships.
The US Trade Representative’s office has already concluded reciprocal trade agreements with several countries, including Bangladesh, Ecuador and Jordan.
For Pakistan, the outcome is particularly important for access to the US market, one of its major export destinations, and for attracting US investment into sectors including trade, energy and other areas of economic cooperation.
Pakistan and the United States agreed to continue regular engagement as they seek to settle the remaining elements of the proposed framework.
