Pakistan and US Closer to Trade Deal

State Minister for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani stated that the present trade discussions with the United States could lead to a Free Trade Agreement, potentially transforming Pakistan’s economic landscape.

In a conversation with a media outlet, Kayani also acknowledged the US recognition of Pakistan’s endeavors in countering terrorism and its significant regional position. He noted that Pakistan is proactively reinforcing its diplomatic and economic bonds with the US, China, Russia, and Gulf nations on an equal basis.

Recent times have seen an improvement in bilateral relations between Pakistan and the US, highlighted by a notable meeting between US President Donald Trump and Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House.

Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also engaged in discussions with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Washington on Friday, focusing on trade, economic collaboration, and other subjects of shared concern.

Dar indicated that the United States and Pakistan are nearing a trade agreement, possibly within days.

“I believe we are on the verge of concluding an agreement with the US. Our teams are actively engaged in Washington, through discussions, virtual meetings, and a committee established by the prime minister to refine the details,” Dar commented during a discussion at the Atlantic Council think tank in Washington.

“It will materialize not in months or weeks, but rather in a matter of days,” he added.

During his visit to the US, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb recently convened with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington to foster enhanced economic partnership, according to the Ministry of Finance.

Earlier in the month, Reuters reported that these negotiations, centered on reciprocal tariffs, form a part of a broader initiative to revitalize economic relations amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics and Pakistan’s efforts to avert substantial US duties on its exports.