Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar expressed firm confidence that Pakistan and the United States can expand their bilateral trade to $20 billion over the next five years. Speaking at a high-level meeting in Islamabad with a visiting US congressional delegation (CODEL) alongside American business executives, Dar emphasized that enhanced economic engagement and mutual investment would serve as the cornerstone for a stronger strategic relationship. The visiting US delegation included Congressmen Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner, who held discussions with the Foreign Minister regarding bilateral economic opportunities, trade facilitation, and expanded cross-border investments. Highlighting the historical importance of the partnership, Dar noted that as home to the world’s fifth- and third-largest populations, Pakistan and the United States possess immense economic complementarities that remain ready for further commercial collaboration.
The United States continues to serve as Pakistan’s largest single-country export market, with total bilateral trade reaching $9.4 billion during the previous fiscal year. Calling for fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade, the Deputy Prime Minister pointed to Pakistan’s ongoing imports of US agricultural commodities—specifically cotton and soybeans—as well as growing demand for American hydrocarbons, advanced capital machinery, and specialized technologies. He noted that this reciprocal demand creates meaningful long-term value for both economies.
To streamline upcoming foreign direct investment, Dar directed attention to the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which operates as a unified, single-window platform designed to fast-track regulatory clearances and facilitate foreign enterprises. US companies are actively evaluating emerging commercial prospects across primary growth sectors, including artificial intelligence, information technology, critical minerals, renewable energy, defense manufacturing, and agriculture.
The meeting also touched upon support mechanisms provided by key financial agencies, including the US Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), and the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). Highlighting recent milestones such as Ex-Im Bank’s $1.25 billion financing arrangement for the Reko Diq mining venture, Pakistani officials reaffirmed that full diplomatic and administrative support—via Pakistan’s embassy in Washington and consulates across the US—remains available to prospective American investors. Members of the US congressional delegation acknowledged the strategic role of the Pakistani diaspora in driving innovation and economic activity within the United States. Furthermore, the delegates commended Pakistan’s continued diplomatic contributions toward regional stability, constructive engagement, and peaceful dispute resolution across broader international forums.
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