ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have explored opportunities for expanding American investment in Pakistan’s agriculture and mineral sectors, with both countries also reporting progress in negotiations on a proposed bilateral trade agreement.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker in Islamabad on Tuesday, October 20, as the two sides examined prospects for deeper economic cooperation, greater market access and stronger private-sector engagement.
The meeting placed particular emphasis on investment in agricultural technology, food processing, cold-chain infrastructure and mineral development, areas identified as having significant potential for expanding bilateral economic ties.
Jam Kamal highlighted opportunities for American businesses in Pakistan’s agriculture and industrial sectors, particularly in modernising production facilities and developing infrastructure to support agricultural exports.
He said Balochistan offered considerable potential for value addition in dates, olive oil and other agricultural products, creating opportunities for investment in processing and related industries.
The US delegation, meanwhile, expressed interest in expanding investment and technical cooperation in Pakistan’s mineral sector. Both sides also examined possibilities for collaboration in mining, technology and skilled workforce development.
The discussions reflected efforts to broaden Pakistan-US economic engagement beyond conventional trade towards investment and industrial cooperation.
Pakistan-US trade agreement negotiations advance
Alongside investment opportunities, the meeting reviewed progress on the proposed bilateral trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States.
Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul informed participants that significant progress had been achieved in the negotiations, although certain technical provisions still required further discussions with the Office of the United States Trade Representative.
The outstanding issues will need to be addressed before the proposed agreement can move towards finalisation. No specific timeline for concluding the negotiations was announced.
Both sides agreed to maintain engagement and strengthen institutional coordination to advance trade and economic cooperation.
Mangoes, Balochistan dates discussed for US market access
Agricultural market access emerged as another important issue, with Pakistan pressing for measures to facilitate exports of mangoes and dates to the United States.
Pakistani officials emphasised the need to expedite visits by US inspection teams to facilitate mango exports, while also highlighting the commercial potential of Balochistan’s date production.
Improved access to the American market for dates could create additional opportunities for growers and exporters in the province.
The US delegation assured Pakistani officials that it would engage with relevant American authorities regarding market access for these agricultural products.
The two sides also discussed possibilities for increasing Pakistan’s imports of American cotton and soybeans, along with potential trade financing arrangements.
US businesses invited to Karachi food exhibition
As part of efforts to encourage greater private-sector participation, Jam Kamal invited American companies to attend Food Exhibition 2026, scheduled to take place in Karachi from November 23 to 26.
The minister identified modern agricultural technology, food processing and cold-chain development as promising areas for cooperation, particularly in improving the commercial value and export potential of Pakistani agricultural products.
The discussions also covered technical cooperation and human resource development, including opportunities to strengthen skills required in the mining and industrial sectors.
Prime Minister’s Coordinator for Commerce and Industry Rana Ehsan Afzal Khan and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul attended the meeting alongside other officials.
The meeting concluded with an understanding to continue trade negotiations and strengthen institutional contacts between the two countries.
While the discussions highlighted potential investment opportunities in agriculture and minerals, specific investment commitments were not announced.