Pakistan and the UK have decided to accelerate their Trade Dialogue Mechanism to deepen economic ties and promote innovation-led partnerships.
The deal was finalized in a meeting between Pakistan’s Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, and the UK’s Minister of State for Trade Policy, Chris Bryant.
Minister Iqbal highlighted the close political and cultural connection between the two nations, asserting that it is time to convert these ties into concrete economic progress.
“Our goal is to turn goodwill into growth,” he said, noting that bilateral trade has reached £5.5 billion—a number he views as merely a starting point. He emphasized the need to activate the three working groups formed under the Trade Dialogue Mechanism to open up commercial opportunities.
Minister Bryant recognized the importance of the newly signed agreement, which mandates yearly ministerial meetings and the prompt activation of working groups. He stressed that technical talks on topics like SPS measures and tariffs will be key to driving actionable outcomes.
During the meeting, Iqbal shared insights into Pakistan’s economic rebound, reporting a decline in inflation, a resurgence in growth, and a renewed openness to businesses. He reaffirmed the government’s aim to establish Pakistan as a investment hub, emphasizing its capabilities in the IT and technology sectors.
“We have a highly skilled, young tech talent pool, and deep tech collaboration between Pakistan and the UK can create a new bridge between our economies,” Iqbal added.
The two parties also explored ways to strengthen cultural collaboration in fields like fashion, music, arts, and tourism, recognizing these ties as a means to foster closer connections. Iqbal also invited Bryant to visit Pakistan.
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