Islamabad: Ms. Natalie A. Baker US Chargé d’Affaires praised recent progress in agricultural trade, particularly the resumption of U.S. soybean exports to Pakistan, as a testament to the strength of bilateral cooperation and a model for resolving trade challenges through practical solutions.
Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to advancing their enduring strategic and economic partnership through strengthened trade and investment ties.
Recent high-level engagements have underscored the shared ambition to foster closer commercial collaboration between the two countries.
A high-profile delegation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) held a constructive meeting with Federal Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, in Islamabad.
The delegation was accompanied by U.S. Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) in Islamabad, Ms. Natalie A. Baker, and led by Mr. Charles Freeman, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
Minister Kamal expressed optimism that the USPBC’s visit would further strengthen bilateral economic ties and acknowledged the Council’s longstanding contributions to promoting U.S. commercial engagement in Pakistan.
He noted that the USPBC has played a pivotal role over the past two decades in facilitating investment and expanding trade opportunities for businesses from both nations.
The Commerce Minister emphasized the United States’ position as Pakistan’s largest export destination, reaffirming the strategic importance of this trade relationship.
He noted that the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy to address trade imbalances and market access challenges through engagement with all relevant stakeholders.
The recent 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs was welcomed as a timely opportunity for constructive dialogue and a step toward building a sustainable, mutually beneficial trade framework.
Ms. Natalie A. Baker praised recent progress in agricultural trade, particularly the resumption of U.S. soybean exports to Pakistan, as a testament to the strength of bilateral cooperation and a model for resolving trade challenges through practical solutions.
She further highlighted the potential for expanding cooperation in the cotton sector, an area of mutual interest given Pakistan’s reliance on high-quality cotton for its textile industry and the U.S.’s capacity to meet this demand.
Minister Kamal reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to providing a stable, transparent, and investor-friendly trade environment for U.S. businesses.
He reiterated the government’s adherence to rules-based and fair trade practices, and its dedication—under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif—to forging a robust economic partnership with the United States, both bilaterally and multilaterally.
He also shared that Pakistan’s economy is witnessing positive momentum, with key macroeconomic indicators showing signs of stabilization.
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Ongoing structural reforms are aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business, ensuring policy clarity, and encouraging investment.
Notable measures include reductions in the interest rate and inflation, lower electricity tariffs for industries, and strengthened regulatory transparency.
Mr. Charles Freeman of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce commended the Government of Pakistan for its commitment to facilitating business and supporting economic growth.
He emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and technical cooperation to generate jobs and economic opportunities in both countries.
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The visit of the USPBC delegation, scheduled from May 5–7, 2025, serves as an important platform for engagement, partnership-building, and exploration of new trade and investment opportunities across multiple sectors.
