Pakistan, US make substantial progress on reciprocal trade deal

Pakistan and the United States have made substantial progress on several provisions of a proposed reciprocal trade agreement. However, Pakistan’s Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul said on Tuesday that a few technical issues remain to be discussed with the Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR).

The development came during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and United States Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker to discuss strengthening bilateral economic relations, accelerating ongoing trade agreement negotiations, expanding market access and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in agriculture, minerals, technology and investment.

Both sides reviewed progress on the ongoing Pakistan–US bilateral reciprocal trade agreement negotiations and expressed their commitment to advancing discussions towards a mutually beneficial outcome.

Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, while briefing the meeting on the status of negotiations, informed that substantial progress had been achieved on several important provisions of the proposed agreement. A few technical points need to be discussed with the USTR.

Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Industries, Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce also attended the meeting.

Welcoming the US delegation, Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan emphasised the importance Pakistan attaches to its longstanding economic partnership with the United States. He said both countries possess considerable potential to expand bilateral trade through enhanced market access, greater private-sector engagement and investment in emerging sectors.

The minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to diversify its export markets and strengthen international commercial partnerships despite prevailing regional and global economic challenges. He said deeper economic engagement with the United States could create new opportunities for businesses, enhance industrial competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

The meeting also discussed market access opportunities for Pakistani agricultural products, particularly mangoes and dates. Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul highlighted the need to expedite the visit of relevant US inspection teams for mango export arrangements and sought progress on the pending market access process for Pakistani dates.

He emphasised that greater access to the US market would create valuable export opportunities, particularly for growers and businesses in Balochistan.

The US delegation welcomed the discussion and indicated its willingness to follow up with the relevant American authorities on these matters. Both sides also explored opportunities to enhance agricultural trade, particularly US exports of cotton and soybeans to Pakistan.

Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul highlighted the importance of competitive pricing and trade financing in facilitating greater imports from the United States. Discussions included possible financing arrangements and closer coordination with relevant trade institutions and industry associations to strengthen bilateral agricultural commerce.

Federal Minister Jam Kamal underlined Pakistan’s significant potential in agriculture, food processing, livestock and value-added production. He encouraged American companies to explore investment opportunities in modern agricultural machinery, food processing technologies, cold-chain infrastructure and improved farming practices.

The minister also invited American businesses and agricultural organisations to participate in FoodAg 2026, scheduled to be held in Karachi from November 23 to 26. He said the exhibition would provide an important platform to connect international buyers and investors with Pakistan’s growing agricultural and food-processing industries.

The US Chargé d’Affaires appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to promote agricultural trade and expressed interest in facilitating greater engagement between American agricultural technology companies and Pakistani businesses.

Highlighting Balochistan’s economic potential, Jam Kamal identified dates, olive oil and other agricultural products as promising areas for value addition and export development.