Ministers from the UK and Pakistan have announced new measures to
boost trade between the two countries, following the launch of
the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue.
As part of the Dialogue, ministers announced the creation of a
new UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council bringing together
senior business leaders and government officials to facilitate
high value trade and investment. The Council will provide
strategic advice on policy reform, offer a confidential forum for
engagement, and help promote commercial opportunities by
addressing market access challenges and sharing best
practices.
Today's (14 July) meeting in London was co-chaired by the UK
Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security, , and Pakistan's Federal
Minister of Commerce, Jam Kamal Khan. Both Ministers agreed to
annual ministerial meetings to unlock growth opportunities, and
support businesses and investors in the UK and
Pakistan.
UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security said:
Today's Dialogue marks the next step in our long-standing
relationship with Pakistan, taking our trading partnership to the
next level and unlocking new opportunities for businesses in both
our countries.
By deepening cooperation in key sectors like healthcare and
digital technology – areas central to the UK's Industrial
Strategy – we can drive growth, foster innovation, and create
jobs.
Pakistan's Federal Minister for Commerce, Jam Kamal
said:
The UK remains one of Pakistan's most important economic
partners. This Dialogue lays the foundation for a more structured
and forward-looking trade relationship. By strengthening
collaboration and aligning our priorities, we can expand
bilateral trade, attract greater investment, and create
sustainable economic opportunities that benefit both
nations.
The UK has also announced up to £200,000 to support Pakistan's
aspirations to attract investment from the UK. The funds will
provide technical assistance for investor outreach, and support
matchmaking between Pakistani investors and UK-based
opportunities. This initiative reflects the UK's commitment to
supporting Pakistan's ambitions to increase outbound investment
and to strengthening the bilateral investment relationship.
The Dialogue highlighted shared ambition to build on recent
momentum, with bilateral trade increasing by 7.3% during the
final quarter of last year. Bilateral trade is currently valued
at £4.7 billion. Today's discussion focussed on key sectors
including information technology and healthcare, two priority
areas under the UK's Industrial Strategy.
The UK's Industrial Strategy presents a significant opportunity
for businesses and investors. The UK is committed to making it
easier, faster, and more predictable for international firms to
operate in its market. This includes reforms in skills
development, innovation, regulation, and planning – creating a
more dynamic and open business environment. Through the alignment
of the UK's Industrial Strategy and the UK – Pakistan Trade
Dialogue, we are reaffirming our commitment to open and fair
trade, and to deepening economic ties with key partners like
Pakistan.
