High-level dialogue focuses on expanding market access, agricultural exports, mining investments, and regional commercial connectivity.
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met with United States Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker in Islamabad to review bilateral economic relations and accelerate ongoing trade agreement negotiations.
The high-level meeting was attended by Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, and senior officials from the Ministry of Commerce.
Accelerating Trade Agreement Negotiations
During the discussions, both sides reviewed the progress made on the proposed Pakistan–US bilateral reciprocal trade agreement. Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul reported that substantial progress has been achieved across several key provisions, with only a few technical matters remaining for consultation with the United States Trade Representative (USTR).
Minister Jam Kamal Khan highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to diversifying export markets and enhancing industrial competitiveness despite global economic challenges. He noted that deeper commercial engagement with the US would create fresh avenues for businesses and fuel long-term economic growth.
Expanding Agricultural Trade and Market Access
A central focus of the meeting was market access for Pakistani agricultural products. The Commerce Secretary urged the swift dispatch of US inspection teams to facilitate mango export arrangements and requested progress on pending market access for Pakistani dates—a move expected to benefit farmers and small enterprises in Balochistan.
The US delegation expressed readiness to coordinate with American authorities and explored avenues to expand agricultural exports to Pakistan, particularly cotton and soybeans. Both sides discussed trade financing mechanisms to support competitive pricing for US imports.
Minister Jam Kamal Khan invited American firms to invest in modern farming equipment, food processing technologies, cold-chain infrastructure, and livestock. He also invited American businesses to participate in the FoodAg 2026 exhibition, scheduled for 23–26 November in Karachi.
Cooperation in Mining, Industry, and Regional Connectivity
The dialogue also addressed investment opportunities in Pakistan’s mineral sector. The US delegation reaffirmed interest in offering technical expertise, capital, and commercial partnerships for responsible resource development.
Additionally, the Minister spotlighted the strategic industrial potential of Hub, Balochistan, citing its proximity to Karachi as an ideal hub for manufacturing and Special Economic Zones.
On regional trade connectivity, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul pointed to logistics disruptions along traditional land trade routes connecting Pakistan with Afghanistan and Central Asia, stressing the need for predictable trade frameworks.
Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker commended Pakistan’s initiatives and reaffirmed Washington’s interest in expanding ties across trade, agriculture, technology, and investment. Both sides agreed to maintain close institutional dialogue to advance ongoing trade negotiations.