Govt, UK lawmakers discuss diaspora-driven investment
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan met with members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Pakistan at the House of Commons on Tuesday.
According to an official statement, the meeting focused on strengthening bilateral economic ties, enhancing parliamentary cooperation, and tapping into the potential of the 1.7 million-strong British Pakistani diaspora to boost trade and investment.
The minister briefed APPG members on Pakistan's recent economic reforms aimed at promoting macroeconomic stability and inclusive growth. He highlighted key initiatives such as tariff rationalisation under the National Tariff Policy, the launch of the Pakistan Single Window to facilitate trade, and the development of Special Economic Zones offering incentives to foreign investors.
The two sides also discussed collaboration opportunities in green technologies, renewable energy, and Pakistan's growing IT sector. These areas were identified as key to positioning Pakistan as a competitive hub for UK firms seeking to diversify their supply chains.
Minister Jam Kamal emphasised the diaspora's role in connecting both nations and urged continued parliamentary engagement and private sector cooperation to maintain momentum following the UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue Mechanism signed earlier that day.
The meeting reaffirmed a joint commitment to sustainable partnerships for mutual prosperity.
Later in the day, the commerce minister also met Mohammad Yasin MP, the UK Prime Minister's Trade Envoy to Pakistan, at the House of Commons. Pakistan's High Commissioner to the UK, Dr Mohammad Faisal, also attended the meeting.
The minister congratulated Yasin on his appointment and appreciated his successful visit to Pakistan in June 2025, which helped lay the foundation for stronger economic cooperation.
Both sides agreed on the need to deepen trade and investment ties by leveraging historical connections and the recently launched UK-Pakistan Trade and Investment Dialogue.
Jam Kamal underscored the importance of the Dialogue in tackling market access issues, promoting investment, and increasing trade under the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS).
The minister also welcomed the formation of the UK-Pakistan Business Advisory Council (UKPBAC) and urged better coordination between diaspora entrepreneurs and chambers of commerce.
Opportunities for collaboration were noted in key sectors including renewable energy, ICT, agriculture, and higher education.
Both sides committed to boosting parliamentary links and exploring regular exchanges to advance political and economic relations.
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