UK Proposes Long-Term Investment Partnership in Talks with Pakistan
UK Proposes Long-Term Investment Partnership in Talks with Pakistan
Britain has proposed a long-term investment partnership with Pakistan, floating the idea during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad on Thursday. The two sides reviewed trade across several sectors and agreed to push ahead with the next round of the bilateral Trade Dialogue.
Long-term investment partnership: what was discussed
The meeting took place at the Ministry of Commerce, with Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and senior officials from both sides present. The two sides discussed expanding trade in healthcare and life sciences, information technology, agriculture and livestock, financial services, aviation and minerals-related services.
The British side proposed a long-term, non-legally binding investment partnership, backed at ministerial level, covering regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, education and skills, and investment financing. Both sides agreed the partnership would give investors on each side a steadier framework for planning.
Livestock emerged as a priority area. Khan noted the prime minister’s interest in raising animal productivity, adding value and growing meat exports, and the two sides discussed bringing British expertise and technology into the sector. They also talked about branding and exporting Pakistani pink salt, olive oil, textiles and surgical instruments.
Aviation and PIA on the agenda
Aviation featured prominently. The British side discussed engagement involving Airbus and Rolls-Royce, including potential aircraft and engine arrangements for Pakistan International Airlines, along with possible export credit support. Aircraft leasing also came up as a way to meet PIA’s immediate fleet needs.
The discussion reflected a broader effort to deepen commercial links. Both sides agreed to keep working through the bilateral Trade Dialogue mechanism and to follow up on the proposals with technical-level engagement.
Why it matters
The meeting is the latest in a series of commercial engagements between the two countries as Pakistan looks to widen its export base and attract foreign capital. A ministerially backed investment framework, even a non-binding one, would signal continuity to businesses weighing long-term commitments.
Frequently asked questions
What did the UK propose to Pakistan?
Britain proposed a long-term, non-legally binding investment partnership, backed at ministerial level, covering regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, education and skills, and investment financing.
Which sectors did the two sides discuss?
Healthcare and life sciences, IT, agriculture and livestock, financial services, aviation and minerals-related services, along with the next bilateral Trade Dialogue.
What was discussed on aviation?
Engagement involving Airbus and Rolls-Royce, including potential aircraft and engine arrangements for PIA, possible export credit support, and aircraft leasing for immediate fleet needs.
