Pakistan and the United States engaged in virtual discussions on Wednesday aimed at expanding bilateral trade and deepening economic cooperation, as Pakistan seeks to build on a tariff agreement reached last year. The talks come after the US administration under President Donald Trump had introduced “reciprocal tariffs,” which threatened to increase duties on Pakistani exports.
Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan led the virtual meeting with Rick Switzer, the deputy US trade representative. Both parties reviewed opportunities to enhance trade relations, emphasizing a balanced and forward-looking framework that benefits both economies. Khan highlighted the “significant potential” to diversify trade and strengthen cooperation in mutually beneficial sectors.
The discussions covered key areas such as digital trade, regulatory cooperation, and ongoing technical-level engagement designed to maintain momentum toward concluding broader trade negotiations. Notably, the US acknowledged Pakistan’s role in promoting regional stability and facilitating dialogue amid recent tensions following the conflict in Iran.
Switzer expressed appreciation for the engagement with Pakistan and emphasized the importance of continued collaboration to advance a balanced and mutually advantageous trade relationship. Last year, Pakistan and the US reached an agreement to mitigate the impact of proposed US tariffs on Pakistani exports, which also included cooperation in energy, minerals, information technology, and cryptocurrency sectors.
Both sides agreed to sustain technical-level discussions to progress toward a comprehensive trade framework. Additionally, Pakistan extended an invitation for a future visit by the US delegation, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening bilateral economic ties.
