ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has left for the United States once again, this time to seal the final terms of a highly anticipated bilateral trade agreement. This marks his second trip to Washington in two weeks, reflecting the urgency and importance of the negotiations.
The trip comes after Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday that the US and Pakistan were “very close” to a trade deal that could come within days, but comments from the US after Dar met with Secretary of State Marco Rubio mentioned no timeline.
“A final discussion on the Pakistan-US trade dialogue will take place during the visit,” Pakistan’s Finance Ministry said in a statement, adding that a trade agreement will benefit both countries.
During his visit, Muhammad Aurangzeb is expected to hold meetings with key U.S. officials, including the Commerce Secretary and Trade Representative, to finalise a deal that aims to boost trade between the two countries. The agreement by Muhammad Aurangzeb is seen as a critical step toward improving Pakistan’s export potential and reducing barriers in the U.S. market.
The negotiations come at a time when Pakistani exports are facing a 29% tariff, imposed during former President Trump’s previous term. Pakistan is pushing for a removal or reduction of these duties in order to remain competitive in the global market. In return, it has offered to increase imports of U.S. goods, including crude oil, and to open investment opportunities in Pakistan’s mining sector.
The potential trade deal also aims to expand collaboration beyond traditional goods, with a strong focus on information technology, agriculture, and minerals. Officials believe this diversification could open up new markets and create long-term economic stability for Pakistan.
Improved relations between Islamabad and Washington have been noted since the high-profile meeting between Pakistan’s Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this month at the White House. That visit reportedly paved the way for friendlier trade terms.
With rising U.S. tariffs expected to take effect in early August, Muhammad Aurangzeb’s mission could be Pakistan’s best chance at securing favorable terms in time. The outcome of this trip could shape the country’s economic direction for years to come.
