Pakistan, US near trade deal

Commerce secretary says substantial progress made, technical issues remain with USTR

ISLAMABAD:

Pakistan and the United States have achieved substantial progress on several important provisions of their proposed bilateral reciprocal trade agreement, with only a few technical points left to be discussed with the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul told a meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan.

The review of the negotiations came during a meeting between the commerce minister and US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie A Baker to discuss bilateral economic relations, market access and cooperation in agriculture, minerals, technology and investment, according to a statement issued on Tuesday. Both sides expressed commitment to advancing discussions towards a mutually beneficial outcome.

The meeting also discussed market access for Pakistani agricultural products, particularly mangoes and dates. Paul highlighted the need to expedite the visit of relevant US inspection teams for mango export arrangements and sought progress on the pending market access process for Pakistani dates, saying greater access would create export opportunities for growers, particularly in Balochistan. The US delegation indicated willingness to follow up with relevant American authorities.

Both sides also explored enhanced agricultural trade, including US exports of cotton and soybeans to Pakistan. Paul highlighted the importance of competitive pricing and trade financing in facilitating greater imports from the United States, with discussions covering possible financing arrangements and closer coordination with trade institutions and industry associations.

Kamal Khan underlined Pakistan's potential in agriculture, food processing, livestock and value-added production, and encouraged American companies to explore investment in modern agricultural machinery, food processing technologies, cold-chain infrastructure and improved farming practices. He invited US businesses and agricultural organisations to participate in FoodAg 2026, scheduled in Karachi from November 23 to 26.

The US chargé d'affaires appreciated Pakistan's efforts to promote agricultural trade and expressed interest in facilitating engagement between American agricultural technology companies and Pakistani businesses. Kamal Khan identified dates, olive oil and other agricultural products as promising areas for value addition and export development in Balochistan. Minerals and mining also featured in the discussions, with both sides exploring investment, technical cooperation, skills development and responsible resource development.