ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Senator Ishaq Dar has expressed confidence that Pakistan and the United States can double their bilateral trade to USD20 billion over the next five years by fully harnessing the complementarities of their economies.
He made these remarks while addressing delegations of US lawmakers and business leaders.
The Congressional delegation, comprising Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner, earlier called on the DPM/FM on Tuesday.
Dar said, “We sincerely hope that the US EXIM Bank, the US International Development Finance Corporation (IDFC), and the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) will continue supporting enhanced trade and investment between our two countries. We appreciate the US EXIM Bank’s USD 1.25 billion financing for the Reko Diq project, which reflects growing confidence in Pakistan’s economic future. “I am confident that this will be the first of many such investments.”
By enhancing trade and investment linkages, we can create mutually beneficial opportunities for businesses in both countries, generate employment, foster innovation, and deliver shared prosperity for our peoples, Dar said, adding the United States is Pakistan’s largest single-country export destination.
He further stated that our trade in goods during the last fiscal year reached USD 9.4 billion. “While encouraging, this figure falls well short of our shared potential,” he added.
DPM Dar said Pakistan believes in fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade that creates value for both economies.
Pakistan remains among the largest importers of US cotton and soybeans, supporting American farmers, while also emerging as an important market for US hydrocarbons.
Similarly, Dar remarked that Pakistan’s growing demand for advanced machinery, technology, and capital goods presents significant opportunities for American manufacturers.
The congressional delegation acknowledged the valuable contributions of the vibrant Pakistani diaspora to the US economy and society, recognising it as a vital bridge between Pakistan and the United States.
They also exchanged views on regional and international developments. The Congressmen appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and stability.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Donald Trump, our strategic partnership continues to gain momentum, he emphasised.
Over the past year and a half, Dar observed that Pakistan’s engagement with the US Congress has expanded significantly through sustained dialogue with Members and close interaction with key congressional committees, particularly the House Foreign Affairs Committee, as well as other influential offices.
Pakistan and the US are working closely together towards the common objective of achieving lasting peace, stability, and prosperity.
He added, “We remain grateful for the proactive role of President Trump and his Administration in facilitating the ceasefire understanding between Pakistan and India in May last year. With humility and a deep sense of responsibility, Pakistan also played the role of a sincere and honest facilitator in the US-Iran dialogue.”
Dar said the presence of more than 80 American companies in Pakistan reflects their confidence in our market, our people, and our long-term economic potential.
American companies are exploring opportunities across Pakistan’s technology, critical minerals, energy, and defence sectors. This growing interest reflects confidence in Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic outlook and long-term investment potential.
He said that Pakistan remains committed to deepening its constructive engagement with the US Government, businesses, investors, and entrepreneurs to expand bilateral trade and investment across goods and services, including IT, energy, manufacturing, critical minerals, agriculture, and other emerging sectors, Dar further highlighted.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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