KARACHI: Pakistan and the United States held virtual talks on Wednesday to discuss expanding bilateral trade, Pakistan’s commerce ministry said, as Islamabad continues efforts to deepen commercial ties with Washington after reaching a tariff deal last year.
The discussions come after Pakistan negotiated a trade arrangement with the administration of US President Donald Trump following Washington’s announcement of “reciprocal tariffs” that had threatened Pakistani exports with high duties.
Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan held the virtual meeting with Rick Switzer, deputy US trade representative, with both sides discussing ways to enhance bilateral trade.
“Pakistan is committed to strengthening its trade relationship with the United States through a balanced, forward-looking framework that benefits both economies,” Khan said, according to a statement issued by his ministry.
“We see significant potential in diversifying trade and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest,” he added.
The ministry said the meeting covered digital trade, regulatory cooperation and continued technical-level engagement aimed at maintaining momentum toward an early conclusion of the negotiations.
The US side also acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability and facilitating dialogue during recent regional tensions in the wake of the war in Iran, according to the statement.
“We value our engagement with Pakistan and look forward to continued collaboration to advance a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship,” the commerce ministry quoted Switzer as saying.
Last year, Pakistan and the US reached a deal that Islamabad said would reduce the steep cost imposed on Pakistani exports after Trump threatened sweeping tariffs on multiple countries over what he described as unfair trade relations.
The deal also included plans for cooperation in sectors such as energy, mines and minerals, information technology and cryptocurrency.
Both sides agreed to continue technical-level engagement to facilitate progress and maintain momentum toward an early conclusion of the broader trade agreement.
The Pakistani minister also extended an invitation to the US side for a future visit to Pakistan, reaffirming the country’s commitment to further strengthening bilateral economic ties.
Both sides expressed confidence in continued positive engagement and agreed to remain in close contact in the coming weeks, said the statement.
