Both countries plan to expand business cooperation and hold next Trade Dialogue in Islamabad this autumn

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen Pakistan UK trade ties by expanding bilateral trade engagement, strengthening business-to-business cooperation and exploring the transformation of their existing Trade Dialogue into a more structured economic and trade framework.

The understanding was reached during a meeting on Thursday between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott at the Ministry of Commerce. Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and senior officials from both sides also attended the discussions.

Pakistan highlights economic reforms

During the meeting, Jam Kamal Khan outlined Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving the business climate and enhancing export competitiveness.

He said the government was pursuing tariff rationalisation, digitalisation and regulatory reforms to facilitate businesses, attract investment and support sustainable economic growth.

The commerce minister added that predictable tariff policies, improved access to finance and affordable industrial inputs would help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), e-commerce businesses and export-oriented industries expand into international markets.

He also identified Africa and Central Asia as emerging destinations for Pakistani exports and called for closer cooperation with the UK in standards, certification, traceability, environmental compliance and value addition.

UK considers stronger trade framework

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott welcomed Pakistan’s reform agenda and said the UK was considering upgrading the existing Pakistan-UK Trade Dialogue into a more institutionalised framework.

She said the proposed structure could include clearly defined sectors, dedicated working groups and implementation timelines to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation.

Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul informed the meeting that two Pakistan-UK working groups were already operational, while proposals had been submitted to establish additional groups to broaden collaboration.

Focus on investment and business cooperation

Jawad Paul also emphasised the importance of strengthening the UK-Pakistan Business Council to encourage investment, facilitate commercial partnerships and promote new business opportunities.

He informed the British delegation that Pakistan was reinforcing its intellectual property rights enforcement framework and that the appointment of a new chairman of the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO-Pakistan) was expected soon.

Next Trade Dialogue planned

Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and work towards holding the next Pakistan-UK Trade Dialogue in Islamabad during the autumn of this year.

Officials said the meeting is expected to further advance Pakistan UK trade ties, promote investment and strengthen long-term economic cooperation between the two countries.