ISLAMABAD (GNP): Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan met US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker to discuss closer economic ties, faster progress on trade agreement negotiations, wider market access and new cooperation in agriculture, minerals, technology and investment. Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Commerce and Industries, Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul and senior ministry officials also attended.
Welcoming the American delegation, Khan said Pakistan values its long-standing economic partnership with the United States. Both countries, he said, can expand trade through better market access, more private-sector engagement and investment in emerging sectors. He described Pakistan’s efforts to diversify export markets and build commercial partnerships despite regional and global economic pressures, and said deeper engagement with the US could open opportunities for businesses, raise industrial competitiveness and support sustainable growth.
The two sides reviewed progress on negotiations for a bilateral reciprocal trade agreement and committed to working toward a mutually beneficial outcome. Jawad Paul told the meeting that substantial progress has been made on several important provisions, with a few technical points still to be discussed with the US Trade Representative (USTR).
The meeting turned to market access for Pakistani agricultural products, especially mangoes and dates. Paul called for speedier visits by US inspection teams for mango export arrangements and sought movement on the pending market access process for dates, saying wider access would create export opportunities, particularly for growers and businesses in Balochistan. The US side said it would follow up with the relevant American authorities.
Both sides also looked at boosting agricultural trade, particularly US exports of cotton and soybeans to Pakistan. Paul stressed that competitive pricing and trade financing are needed to increase imports from the US, and the discussion covered possible financing arrangements and closer coordination with trade institutions and industry associations.
Khan pointed to Pakistan’s potential in agriculture, food processing, livestock and value-added production, and encouraged American firms to consider investing in modern farm machinery, food processing technology, cold-chain infrastructure and improved farming practices. He invited American businesses and agricultural organisations to FoodAg 2026, to be held in Karachi from November 23 to 26, calling it an important platform for connecting international buyers and investors with Pakistan’s agriculture and food-processing industries. Baker welcomed Pakistan’s efforts to promote agricultural trade and expressed interest in connecting American agri-technology companies with Pakistani businesses.
Khan identified dates, olive oil and other agricultural products from Balochistan as promising areas for value addition and export growth. International cooperation, he said, could improve processing facilities, quality, packaging and access to global markets, creating opportunities for small enterprises, farmers and women entrepreneurs.
He also highlighted the industrial potential of Hub, Balochistan, noting its closeness to Karachi and openings in manufacturing, industrial infrastructure and special economic zones. He welcomed the American companies already operating in Pakistan and encouraged more private investment.
Minerals and mining featured prominently, with both sides exploring investment, technical cooperation, skills development and responsible resource development. The US delegation said it remains interested in deeper cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral sector, including American companies contributing technical expertise, investment and commercial partnerships.
On regional trade, Paul raised the problems caused by disruptions to traditional land routes linking Pakistan with Afghanistan and Central Asia. Uninterrupted connectivity, predictable trade arrangements and efficient logistics, he said, are essential to sustain export growth and long-term commercial relationships. Khan said Pakistan remains committed to strengthening its economic resilience, improving the business environment and expanding trade opportunities while taking regional developments into account.
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Both sides acknowledged the value of continued institutional dialogue, stronger business-to-business contacts and practical cooperation. Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to a forward-looking partnership with the US based on mutual respect, shared opportunities and sustainable commercial growth. Baker welcomed the constructive discussions and reiterated US interest in expanding economic engagement, particularly in trade, agriculture, technology and investment.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
