ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and the United States are edging closer to finalising a major trade agreement, as talks between the two sides entered their final stage this week in Washington.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, who recently returned from the US, confirmed that high-level meetings with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer were “extremely productive.” He said both sides were working hard to close the remaining gaps and hoped to “get closure within days.”
The breakthrough, if achieved, could ease the 29% tariff burden on Pakistani exports to the US and pave the way for a long-term economic partnership. In return, Pakistan has offered to increase US crude imports and open up investment opportunities in key sectors like minerals, agriculture, and digital infrastructure.
The talks come at a time when Pakistan recorded a $3 billion trade surplus with the US this year. Both countries are optimistic that the new agreement will move beyond traditional trade and shift towards deeper investment collaboration.
A formal announcement is expected soon.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.