UK, Pakistan launch trade dialogue to deepen economic ties

Pakistan and the United Kingdom have agreed on new steps to strengthen trade and investment ties, launching the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue and establishing a high-level Business Advisory Council.

The announcement was made after a ministerial meeting held on Monday in London, co-chaired by UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander and Pakistan's Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.

The newly formed UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council will include senior business leaders and government officials from both countries. It will offer strategic advice on policy reforms, serve as a confidential forum for dialogue, and promote commercial opportunities by resolving market access issues and sharing best practices.

The ministers also agreed to hold annual meetings to maintain momentum and support businesses and investors in both countries.

UK Trade Minister Douglas Alexander said the Dialogue "marks the next step in our long-standing relationship with Pakistan" and aims to "unlock new opportunities" in sectors such as healthcare and digital technology.

"These are areas central to the UK's Industrial Strategy, where we can drive growth, foster innovation, and create jobs," he said.

Pakistan's Commerce Minister Jam Kamal called the UK one of Pakistan's most important economic partners. "This Dialogue lays the foundation for a more structured and forward-looking trade relationship," he noted.

To support Pakistan's efforts to attract foreign investment, the UK also pledged up to £200,000 for technical assistance and matchmaking efforts between Pakistani investors and UK opportunities.