Islamabad 29 July: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb left for the United States on Monday to conclude negotiations on a bilateral trade agreement, according to an official statement from the Finance Ministry.
The visit marks the final phase of discussions under the Pakistan-US Trade Dialogue, which has been underway since May.
The talks gained urgency after former US President Donald Trump introduced reciprocal tariffs affecting multiple countries, including Pakistan, earlier this year. Both nations have since engaged in technical discussions to explore expanded trade opportunities, particularly in information technology, mineral resources, and agricultural sectors.
A Finance Ministry statement emphasized the strategic importance of stronger economic ties, noting that the United States remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner. “Enhanced trade relations will benefit both economies and reinforce a key pillar of bilateral cooperation,” the statement read.
The diplomatic relationship between Pakistan and the US has shown signs of improvement in recent months. This was underscored by a rare meeting between Trump and Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House earlier this year, signaling potential for broader collaboration.
READ MORE: Pakistan-US Meeting Ignites Fresh Hope for Stronger Trade Ties
The outcome of Aurangzeb’s negotiations could significantly influence Pakistan’s economic prospects, particularly as the country seeks to stabilize its financial position amid global market pressures. Observers will be watching closely for any announcements on tariff adjustments or new trade incentives.
Further updates are expected as the talks progress this week in Washington.
