LAHORE: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI) Faheem-ur-Rehman Saigol has welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the United States on a reciprocal trade agreement, terming it an important step towards strengthening bilateral economic relations and expanding opportunities for trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
The LCCI president appreciated Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and the Pakistani delegation for effectively representing the country’s economic interests during the negotiations in Washington. Saigol said the talks hold immense importance as their successful conclusion could lay the groundwork for stronger economic ties between Pakistan and the United States. “Pakistan must capitalize on every opportunity to enhance exports, diversify markets and attract foreign investment to support sustainable economic growth,” he observed.
He stressed that tariff reductions on Pakistani exports should remain a key priority of the negotiations. Pakistan possesses strong export potential in sectors such as textiles and apparel, sports goods, surgical instruments, leather products, engineering goods, information technology services and value-added agricultural products. Improved access to the US market for these sectors would significantly increase export earnings, generate employment and strengthen the country’s industrial base.
The LCCI chief said the agreement should also address non-tariff barriers that often limit the growth of bilateral trade. Measures aimed at simplifying trade procedures, improving regulatory cooperation and facilitating business-to-business engagement would help unlock the true potential of economic relations between the two countries.
He further stressed the importance of attracting greater US investment in Pakistan, adding that enhanced economic cooperation in sectors such as information technology, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, agribusiness and logistics can contribute significantly to technology transfer, productivity enhancement and long-term economic development. Increased investment flows would also help create jobs and strengthen Pakistan’s position in regional and global supply chains.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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