Interest in agricultural products and minerals; important progress in Pak-US trade agreement

Minister of Commerce meets US Charge d'Affaires, discussion on cooperation in many sectors including technology and investment

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan was met by US Charge d'Affaires Natalie A. Baker in which detailed exchange of views was held on increasing Pak-US bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation.

Prime Minister's Coordinator for Commerce and Industry Rana Ehsan Afzal Khan and Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul were also present on this occasion.

Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul said that important progress has been made in ongoing negotiations on mutual trade agreement between Pakistan and America, however further talks are required with office of US Trade Representative on some technical clauses of proposed trade agreement.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan said that further expanding trade and economic relations with America is included in priorities of Pakistan. Vast opportunities of trade, investment and private sector cooperation exist between both countries.

In meeting, detailed discussion was also held on matters of access of Pakistani mango and date to US market. Secretary Commerce stressed that there is need to expedite visits of US inspection teams for exports of Pakistani mango, while access of Balochistan's date to US market will greatly benefit farmers and exporters.

US delegation assured contact with concerned authorities on matters of giving market access to Pakistani agricultural products. Along with this, in meeting exchange of views was also held on possibilities of increasing imports of cotton and soybean from America and trade financial assistance.

Jam Kamal Khan said that vast opportunities of modern technology, food processing and cold chain exist in agricultural sector of Pakistan, he invited American companies to invest in agricultural and industrial sectors of Pakistan.

Federal Minister for Commerce invited American business enterprises to participate in FoodAg 2026 exhibition being held in Karachi from November 23 to 26 and pointed out that prominent opportunities of value addition of date, olive oil and other agricultural products exist in Balochistan.

During meeting, possibilities of minerals, mining, technical cooperation and development of skilled manpower were also reviewed, on which US delegation expressed deep interest in increasing investment and technical cooperation in mineral sector of Pakistan.

Jam Kamal Khan said that Hub Balochistan is important place for industrial investment, manufacturing and Special Economic Zones. During this, detailed discussion was also held on regional trade links and difficulties facing land trade routes to Afghanistan and Central Asian markets.

Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul said that stable trade routes and effective logistics are extremely necessary for promotion of exports, while Jam Kamal Khan clarified that Pakistan wants sustainable economic partnership based on mutual interest with America.

US Charge d'Affaires Natalie A. Baker showed full interest in increasing cooperation in trade, agriculture, technology and investment with Pakistan. In end both countries agreed to advance trade negotiations, solve market access issues and strengthen institutional links.