
Pakistan says it held productive trade talks in Washington
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, the statement said.
'Both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress in enhancing trade and economic ties, a cornerstone of Pakistan-U.S. bilateral relations,' the statement added.
It said Aurangzeb emphasized that the U.S. remained Pakistan's largest trading partner.
Both sides expressed optimism that ongoing trade talks would yield positive outcomes, benefiting the economies of both countries, the finance ministry said.
Pakistan, US move closer to securing trade deal as tariff talks continue
Pakistan was optimistic that the trade talks would conclude in a week's time after a virtual meeting between Aurangzeb and Lutnick late last month.
The negotiations, focused on reciprocal tariffs, are part of a broader push to reset economic ties at a time of shifting geopolitical alignments and Pakistan's efforts to avoid steep U.S. duties on exports.
Pakistan faces a 29% tariff on exports to the U.S. under President Donald Trump's measures to target countries with large trade surpluses with the U.S.
Pakistan's surplus was around $3 billion in 2024.
To offset the imbalance and ease tariff pressures, Islamabad has offered to import more U.S. goods, including crude oil, and to open up investment opportunities through concessions for U.S. firms in Pakistan's mining sector.
U.S.-Pakistan relations saw a major boost when Trump hosted Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House last month in an unprecedented meeting.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan seeks 'stable relationship' with US
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pakistan's Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar meet at the State Department in Washington, DC, signaling a diplomatic reset. PHOTO: REUTERS Listen to article Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Pakistan sought "expanded and stable" bilateral relationship with Washington, highlighting "strong convergences" between the two sides on several issues. Dar held talks with Rubio in Washington in a first face-to-face meeting between the two top diplomats at the State Department following their several telephonic conversations. This was the first formal meeting at the level of foreign ministers between Pakistan and the United States after several years as the previous administration under President Joe Biden completely ignored Islamabad. The meeting between Dar and Rubio came against the backdrop of renewed push by the two sides to reset their ties often marred by mistrust. However, contrary to all expectations, under President Trump's second term, the relationship between the two countries took off to a positive start. It was Pakistan's assistance in arresting and extraditing one of the masterminds of Kabul Airport attack in August 2021 that led to the reset in ties with the US. President Trump publicly praised Pakistan's efforts in his first address to the US Congress. The India-Pakistan conflict brought the two countries closer, as Trump repeatedly took credit for brokering the ceasefire between the two South Asian rivals. Then in the middle of the Iran-Israel war, President Trump hosted Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir at the White House in an unprecedented move that raised eyebrows in New Delhi. Following the army chief's luncheon meeting at the White House, there have been increased contacts between the two countries. The meeting in Washington on Friday was seen as Pakistan's push to revive the structured mechanism between the two countries. A statement issued by the Foreign Office said upon arrival at the State Department, Dar was received by senior US officials. Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, accompanied him during the visit. Senior officials from both sides also joined the delegation-level talks. The discussions focused on bilateral relations and prospects for cooperation across multiple sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, technology, and minerals. Both sides reviewed progress in the ongoing Pakistan-US trade dialogue, expressing optimism over positive developments. Dar highlighted Pakistan as an attractive destination for US businesses and investors. On regional security, the leaders discussed counterterrorism cooperation and broader peace efforts. Dar lauded President Donald Trump and the US leadership for their efforts to promote global peace, particularly appreciating the President's role amid recent Pakistan-India tensions. Secretary Rubio acknowledged Pakistan's sacrifices in the fight against terrorism and appreciated its positive role in promoting regional and global peace. Later in his message on X, the US secretary of state said: "Met with Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar today to discuss expanding bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals sector. I also thanked him for Pakistan's partnership in countering terrorism and preserving regional stability." Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's desire for expanded and stable bilateral relations, underscoring that there is a strong convergence of views and shared interests between the two countries on regional peace and stability. He also appreciated the role of the Pakistani-American community as a "bridge" between the two nations. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties and enhance institutional cooperation in diverse sectors, expressing determination to work together for long-term stability and prosperity.


Express Tribune
4 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Pakistan, China reaffirm 'iron-clad' friendship
Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir shakes hand with the Vice President of China, and Foreign Minister Han Zheng in a meeting in Beijing. Photo: PTV News Listen to article Pakistan and China reaffirmed their "ironclad" friendship and all-weather strategic cooperative partnership as Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir concluded a series of high-level meetings with Chinese political and military leadership in Beijing on Friday. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the visit underscored the growing depth of politico-military ties between the two nations and their shared resolve to advance regional peace and stability. During his meetings with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, discussions focused on the evolving regional and global political landscape, connectivity under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and the need for coordinated responses to shared geopolitical challenges. Both sides expressed satisfaction over the depth of bilateral engagement and reiterated their commitment to sovereign equality, multilateral cooperation, and long-term regional stability. The Chinese leadership lauded the Pakistan Armed Forces as "a cornerstone of resilience" and a "vital contributor to peace in South Asia." China, Pakistan seek to deepen defence ties On the military side, Field Marshal Asim Munir met General Zhang Youxia, Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), General Chen Hui, Political Commissar of the PLA Army, and Lieutenant General Cai Zhai Jun, Chief of Staff of the PLA Army. The COAS was presented with a guard of honour at the PLA Army Headquarters, symbolizing the longstanding camaraderie between the two armed forces. The engagements featured detailed exchanges on defence and security cooperation, including counterterrorism collaboration, joint training, defence modernisation, and enhancing institutional linkages. Emphasis was laid on improving operational interoperability and strategic coordination to counter hybrid and transnational threats. The Chinese military leadership expressed full confidence in the strength of the bilateral defence partnership and acknowledged Pakistan's pivotal role in promoting regional peace. Field Marshal Asim Munir appreciated China's consistent support and reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further expanding military-to-military cooperation across all domains. Meanwhile, according to the Chinese State news agency, Vice President Han Zheng hailed China and Pakistan as "ironclad friends and all-weather strategic cooperative partners," adding that the bilateral relationship is marked by "high-level mutual trust, solidarity through challenges, and a shared future." Han said China is willing to work with Pakistan to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen the all-weather friendship, expand all-round cooperation, and accelerate building "a closer China-Pakistan community with a shared future in the new era." Field Marshal Asim Munir noted that developing friendly cooperation with China is the consensus of the entire Pakistani society. He said Pakistan supports China's three global initiatives and "firmly stands with China." The military, Munir said, is ready to further implement the leaders' consensus and continuously deepen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China.


Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Pakistan reaffirms commitment to GSP+
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday underscored the European Union's status as one of Pakistan's foremost trading partners and reaffirmed the government's commitment to the Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+), describing it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. The prime minister, during a meeting with the outgoing Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Dr Riina Kionka – who paid a farewell call as she concluded her diplomatic tenure – acknowledged her contributions to strengthening Pakistan-EU relations. Extending his felicitations to Ambassador Kionka on the successful completion of her assignment, Sharif appreciated her efforts in enhancing Pakistan-EU relations. GSP plus status: EU review puts Pakistan's duty-free export to the test amid reforms push He also acknowledged the European Union's timely assistance during the devastating floods of 2022, and lauded the ambassador's role in mobilising support. The prime minister conveyed his warm regards to the EU President, Ursula von der Leyen, and expressed his desire to meet her in the near future to further deepen bilateral engagement. The Interaction also included discussions on domestic political developments and the broader trajectory of Pakistan-EU relations. Ambassador Kionka expressed her gratitude to the prime minister and the government for the support extended to her during her tenure. She reaffirmed the EU's commitment to advancing its partnership with Pakistan, and stated that she would continue to advocate for strong bilateral ties in her upcoming role in Brussels. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025