Iqbal pushes UK to activate trade groups

Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and UK Minister of State for Trade Policy Chris Bryant have agreed to accelerate the implementation of the Pakistan-UK Trade Dialogue Mechanism to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.

At a meeting in London, Iqbal said Pakistan and the United Kingdom share a deep historic bond rooted in cultural ties and strong people-to-people linkages. However, he emphasised the need to translate political goodwill into economic growth.

According to an official statement issued on Thursday, Iqbal said, "With £5.5 billion in bilateral trade, we have only touched the surface. The Trade Dialogue Mechanism must now become the engine that unlocks our true economic potential," he added.

Iqbal underlined the importance of swiftly operationalising three working groups established under the mechanism to address priority areas and unlock commercial opportunities. He said delays cannot be afforded and the working groups must become operational immediately so the next ministerial meeting delivers concrete, measurable outcomes.

Bryant acknowledged the significance of the Trade Dialogue Mechanism signed in July 2025, which provides for annual ministerial engagements and requires working groups to become functional within six months. He noted that technical discussions around SPS measures and tariffs are essential and emphasised the need for subject-matter experts to develop practical solutions.