LONDON/ISLAMABAD, Monday, July 14, 2025 (WNP): Pakistan and the United Kingdom on Monday formally signed the ‘Trade Dialogue Mechanism Agreement’, for institutionalizing bilateral trade cooperation and unlocking new avenues for investment and development in a historic move to deepen economic ties.
The agreement was signed in London by Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and British Minister of State for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander, marking the first high-level trade pact Pakistan has signed following Cabinet approval.
“This is more than an agreement—it’s a foundation for a new economic era in Pakistan-UK relations,” said Minister Jam Kamal Khan, as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to explore trade opportunities, remove barriers, and increase bilateral investment across key sectors.
Key features of the trade dialogue agreement
- Establishment of joint working groups and regular review meetings
- Focused cooperation in digital trade, renewable energy, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals
- Support for Pakistan’s exports under the UK’s Developing Countries Trade Scheme (DCTS)
- New frameworks to promote market access, job creation, and sustainable development
- Enhanced focus on IT, agri-tech, and pharmaceuticals as priority export sectors for Pakistan
Strengthening diaspora-led economic diplomacy
The signing ceremony was part of Minister Jam Kamal Khan’s week-long official visit to the United Kingdom (July 14–20), accompanied by Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul, aimed at building long-term trade frameworks and expanding commercial linkages.
In a separate meeting with Lord Wajid Khan, UK Minister of Housing, Communication, and Local Government, the Minister highlighted the strategic role of the 1.7 million-strong Pakistani diaspora in the UK in strengthening socio-economic ties. He announced the formation of a Pakistan–UK Business Advisory Council to harness diaspora expertise for business and trade development.
Discussions also explored UK-Pakistan collaboration in urban development, affordable housing, and smart city initiatives, with proposals to link Pakistani urban institutions with UK councils for technical knowledge exchange and pilot programs.
Pushing for parliamentary and business engagement
During the visit, the Commerce Minister is set to:
- Meet with members of the All Parties Parliamentary Group (APPG) to gain broader political support for Pakistan-UK trade
- Engage with leading Chambers of Commerce in London and Birmingham to promote B2B collaboration
- Hold meetings with UK-based companies in sectors such as food processing, fintech, engineering, and IT to attract targeted foreign investments
He will also participate in strategic dialogues with the UK Pakistan Business Council, Pakistan Britain Business Council, and UK Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, reinforcing institutional trade linkages and diaspora-driven initiatives.
A renewed economic vision
Commenting on the visit’s significance, the Ministry of Commerce stated: “This is a defining moment for Pakistan’s economic diplomacy—one that demonstrates our commitment to forging inclusive, modern, and resilient trade relationships.”
The agreement and high-level engagements are expected to serve as a blueprint for expanding Pakistan’s export footprint, enhancing economic competitiveness, and driving sustainable development in partnership with one of its oldest diplomatic allies.
