Pakistan-US trade deal close as Jam Kamal meets American envoy in Islamabad
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have moved closer to a Pakistan US trade deal, with both sides agreeing to keep negotiating outstanding technical issues after a meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, Pakistan’s Commerce Division said.
Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul said the negotiations had advanced, although some provisions still required further discussions with the Office of the United States Trade Representative. He confirmed that no final agreement had been announced yet, ProPakistani reported.
The development followed a meeting between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and US Charge d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker in Islamabad on October 20. The discussions focused on expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation between the two countries. Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Commerce and Industry Rana Ihsan Afzal Khan also attended the meeting.
Mangoes and dates lead the Pakistan US trade deal agenda
A central Pakistani demand was better access to the American market for agricultural products, particularly mangoes and dates. Pakistani officials urged US inspection teams to speed up the visits required before Pakistani mangoes can be exported to the United States.
The two sides also discussed dates from Balochistan, which officials said could open new markets for local farmers and exporters. The US delegation said it would coordinate with relevant authorities to address the market-access issues affecting Pakistani agricultural products.
In return, the two sides discussed increasing Pakistan’s imports of American cotton and soybeans, along with opportunities to expand trade financing. The exchange points to a two-way bargain: Pakistani farm produce for the US market in exchange for American agricultural commodities and investment.
US companies invited to invest in Pakistan
Jam Kamal invited American companies to invest in Pakistan’s agriculture and industrial sectors, highlighting opportunities in modern farming, food processing and cold-chain infrastructure. He also invited US businesses to take part in FoodAg 2026, scheduled for November 23 to 26 in Karachi.
The minister pointed to the potential for developing value-added products from Balochistan, particularly dates and olive oil. Investment in processing and storage facilities, he said, could help Pakistani producers improve quality and expand their presence in international markets.
Minerals and mining also came up, with the US delegation expressing interest in greater investment and technical cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral sector. Jam Kamal identified Hub in Balochistan as a potential destination for manufacturing, industrial investment and special economic zones.
Regional trade routes discussed
The meeting also covered regional trade connectivity and the difficulties affecting overland routes to Afghanistan and Central Asian markets. Paul stressed the importance of reliable transport corridors and efficient logistics to support Pakistan’s exports.
Baker expressed interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan across trade, agriculture, technology and investment. Both sides agreed to continue negotiations, work on market-access barriers and strengthen institutional engagement. The proposed bilateral trade agreement, however, remains under discussion, with its final terms yet to be settled.
The talks fit a wider pattern of warming economic ties with Washington. They follow US diplomatic engagement on trade with India, and come as Pakistan pursues multiple trade openings, including efforts to speed up a free trade pact with the Gulf states. The World Trade Organisation has also raised its trade forecast with gains for Pakistan, while Islamabad recently appointed a trade envoy to Faisalabad to push exports.
FAQ
Is the Pakistan-US trade deal finalised?
No. Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul said negotiations have advanced but some provisions still need further discussion with the US Trade Representative’s office. No final agreement has been announced.
What does Pakistan want from the trade deal?
Pakistan is seeking better US market access for mangoes and dates, faster American inspection visits for mango exports, and US investment in agriculture, food processing, cold-chain infrastructure and mining.
When is FoodAg 2026?
FoodAg 2026 is scheduled for November 23 to 26 in Karachi. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan invited American businesses to participate.
