ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Tuesday expressed confidence that bilateral trade between Pakistan and the United States could double to $20 billion over the next five years, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Washington.
Deputy PM Dar made the remarks while addressing a delegation of US lawmakers and business leaders in Islamabad, according to the Foreign Office.
The delegation included Congressmen Ryan Zinke and Michael James Baumgartner, who are currently visiting Pakistan.
Describing robust economic engagement as the cornerstone of bilateral relations, Dar said strong and mutually beneficial trade and investment ties were “the true measure of a mature strategic partnership and friendship.”
Highlighting the growing commercial relationship, he noted that Washington remains Islamabad’s largest single-country export market. Bilateral goods trade reached $9.4 billion during the last fiscal year, reflecting the expanding scope of economic cooperation between the two countries.
Video of the remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 to the CODEL & U.S. Business Delegation (28 July 2026) pic.twitter.com/K2KrULruUR
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 28, 2026
“While encouraging this figure … we are confident that we can double bilateral trade to $20bn over the next five years by fully harnessing the complementarity of our economies,” the deputy premier said.
Dar described the bilateral economic partnership as “mutually rewarding,” noting that Pakistan is among the largest importers of American cotton and is emerging as a key market for US hydrocarbons.
He added that Islamabad’s increasing demand for advanced machinery, technology and capital goods offers substantial opportunities for American manufacturers and investors.
The foreign minister also highlighted the presence of more than 80 US companies operating in the country, saying their continued investment reflects confidence in Islamabad’s market, workforce and long-term economic potential.
“With an improving macroeconomic outlook, ongoing structural reforms, and competitive US tariffs, Pakistan’s market is well positioned for a new wave of investment,” he said.
🔈 PR No. 1️⃣9️⃣2️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣
Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 addressed the visiting Congressional Delegation (CODEL) and U.S. Business Delegation today (28 July 2026).
🔗⬇️ pic.twitter.com/49MavIJqX4
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 28, 2026
Pakistan an attractive destination for US investors
Dar said Islamabad has established the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a one-window platform designed to streamline investment processes. He invited the visiting delegation to work closely with the SIFC to convert business opportunities into long-term economic partnerships.
Encouraging the delegation to engage with Pakistani businesses and government stakeholders, Dar urged them to explore investment opportunities and forge partnerships that would deliver lasting benefits for both countries.
Pakistan seeks greater US investment in key sectors
Reaffirming Islamabad’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Washington, he said the government was keen to expand bilateral trade and investment in sectors such as information technology, artificial intelligence, energy, manufacturing, critical minerals and agriculture.
Dar highlights reforms, incentives and support for investors
Dar said Pakistan had introduced regulatory reforms, improved transparency and upgraded infrastructure to create a more business-friendly environment, adding that the government was prepared to offer competitive incentives to facilitate greater US investment.
“Our objective is to make it easier for businesses to start, operate and expand in Pakistan,” he said.
Deputy PM calls for continued US financial backing
The deputy prime minister also expressed hope for continued support from the US Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA).
He welcomed the EXIM Bank’s $1.25 billion financing for the Reko Diq project, describing it as a milestone investment and expressing confidence that it would pave the way for many more US-backed projects in Pakistan.
Dar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting investors’ long-term success in Pakistan, assuring the delegation that the country’s embassy and consulates in the United States would remain available to facilitate engagement and provide continued assistance after their return.
“We greatly value our relationship with the US government and the American private sector,” Dar said, noting that enhancing trade and investment linkages could create “mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses in both countries, generate employment, foster innovation and deliver shared prosperity”.
Pakistan–US partnership seen as key to regional stability
Dar said a strong Pakistan–US partnership would not only advance the interests of both countries but also contribute to regional stability and global peace at a time of heightened international uncertainty.
He thanked US President Donald Trump and his administration for their role in facilitating the ceasefire between Pakistan and India following the escalation in tensions in May 2025.
The deputy prime minister also expressed appreciation for the confidence placed in Pakistan to facilitate negotiations during the US-Iran conflict, which culminated in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the two sides in June.
“Pakistan will continue to support dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful resolution of disputes, as we firmly believe these remain the only sustainable pathways to lasting peace and stability,” the deputy prime minister said.
US congressmen praise Pakistan’s role in promoting regional peace
Earlier, the US congressmen held a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace, stability, and dialogue.
A U.S. Congressional Delegation (CODEL), comprising @RepRyanZinke and @RepBaumgartner, called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today.
Welcoming the delegation, the DPM/FM highlighted the positive momentum in Pakistan-U.S.… pic.twitter.com/8iC5m7NVMd
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 28, 2026
“Welcoming the delegation, the DPM/FM highlighted the positive momentum in Pakistan-US relations,” the Foreign Office statement said.
The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation in trade, investment, IT, energy, and other areas of mutual interest.
They underscored the importance of sustained parliamentary exchanges in strengthening mutual trust and further reinforcing the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States.
The congressional delegation also acknowledged the significant contributions of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora to the US economy and society, describing it as a vital bridge between the two countries.
They further exchanged views on regional and international developments. US Charge d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie Baker was also present in the meeting.
Ryan Keith Zinke is a Member of the House of Representatives, State of Montana, and Michael James is a Member of the House of Representatives, State of Washington.
The two lawmakers had also met with Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir on Monday and discussed avenues for enhancing economic collaboration between the two countries.
