KARACHI: Pakistan will organize a trade and investment forum in the United States on March 31, said an official statement on Saturday, with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb seeking US government participation during talks with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick in Washington.

Pakistan has intensified economic diplomacy with the US as it seeks to enhance its exports, attract foreign investment and stabilize its economy under an International Monetary Fund-backed reform program.

Last year in July, the two sides reached a bilateral trade deal that involved reciprocal tariff reductions. Both countries have also increased diplomatic contacts alongside engagements on trade, minerals, security cooperation and regional stability in recent months.

“Finance Minister appreciated the role of US Chamber of Commerce in organizing US Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum on 31st March, 2026 which would be attended by renowned companies from both countries besides Ministerial representation from Pakistan and USA,” said the statement circulated by the Finance Division in Islamabad after Aurangzeb’s meeting with Lutnick.

“Finance Minister expressed the hope that the office of US Commerce Secretary would also participate in the same,” it added.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met senior US officials in Washington, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Chief Executive Benjamin Black, to discuss cooperation in critical minerals, energy and counterterrorism.

Last year in October, Pakistan dispatched its first shipment of rare earth and critical minerals to the US under a $500 million framework agreement between US Strategic Metals and Pakistan’s Frontier Works Organization.

The Finance Division said both sides reiterated their commitment during Aurangzeb’s meeting with Lutnick to further engagement on investment in major projects in the coming months.