Islamabad: US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome and Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan on Wednesday discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade and investment between the two countries, Pakistan’s commerce ministry said.
Pakistan’s relationship with Washington has experienced fluctuations over the decades, characterized by periods of close partnership and notable estrangement.
Despite Islamabad’s recent initiatives to enhance and deepen its ties with Washington, President Joe Biden’s administration has remained reluctant to engage with Pakistan’s top leadership.
“The US Ambassador Donald Blome called on Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan, on Wednesday to discuss and explore avenues for enhancing bilateral trade and investment between the two countries,” a statement from Pakistan’s commerce ministry read.
It said both representatives acknowledged the importance of leveraging people-to-people contacts and instilling confidence within the business communities of their countries to bolster trade volume.
“Minister Khan emphasized the need for a comprehensive package of initiatives in various sectors including digital trade, mining, energy, climate, services, and the environment,” the statement added.
Khan stressed the need to build confidence in traders and investors. He reiterated the commerce ministry’s dedication to facilitating businesses in all sectors, aiming to encourage increased investment in Pakistan.
“Acknowledging the positive role played by the Pakistani-American community in the United States, Ambassador Blome commended their contributions to various fields, particularly in politics and business,” the ministry said.
Pakistan and the US took part in high-level trade talks in February last year when both countries participated in the 9th Pakistan-United States Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) Council meeting.
The meeting between the two countries took place after a gap of seven years.
