London, UK — Pakistan and the United Kingdom have reaffirmed their commitment to deepen bilateral trade and investment ties through the Pakistan-UK Trade Dialogue Mechanism, signed in July 2025.
During a productive meeting in London, Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Prof. Ahsan Iqbal met UK Minister of State for Trade Policy Chris Bryant to discuss accelerating the implementation of the mechanism and expanding economic cooperation.
Ahsan Iqbal noted that Pakistan and the UK share a historic partnership built on deep cultural and people-to-people linkages, and now is the time to translate that goodwill into tangible economic growth.
“Pakistan and the UK enjoy excellent political relations, but now is the time to match that strength on the economic front. Our goal is to turn goodwill into growth,” he stated.
Highlighting that bilateral trade currently stands at £5.5 billion, he emphasized the need to significantly increase trade volumes through swift operationalization of the three working groups under the dialogue framework.
“With £5.5 billion in bilateral trade, we have only touched the surface. The Trade Dialogue Mechanism must now become the engine that unlocks our true economic potential,” he added.
The minister called for the working groups to become functional immediately, ensuring the next ministerial meeting yields concrete, measurable outcomes.
Minister Chris Bryant acknowledged the significance of the agreement, which establishes annual ministerial engagements and mandates the formation of technical working groups within six months. He emphasized the need for subject-matter experts to address issues related to SPS measures and tariffs to improve market access.
Responding to inquiries about Pakistan’s economic direction, Ahsan Iqbal briefed on recent progress made by the government, noting visible improvement in macroeconomic stability, declining inflation, and renewed investor confidence.
“Pakistan has reversed the economic downturn of recent years. Inflation is falling, growth is recovering, and Pakistan is open for business like never before.”
He reaffirmed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision to make Pakistan a regional investment hub, offering long-term stability and opportunity to global investors.
Ahsan Iqbal highlighted Pakistan’s highly skilled youth and IT talent as a major area for partnership with the UK, suggesting joint ventures in technology, innovation, and scientific research.
“Pakistan’s greatest asset today is its young, highly skilled tech talent. Deep technology collaboration between Pakistan and the UK can create a new bridge between our economies.”
He also called for revitalizing joint business forums and enhancing cultural cooperation in fashion, design, music, and tourism to strengthen social and creative linkages between the two nations.
“Our cultural ties are a living bridge. Fashion, arts, design, and tourism can become powerful forces to bring our people even closer,” he said.
Concluding the meeting, Prof. Ahsan Iqbal invited Minister Chris Bryant to visit Pakistan, expressing confidence that the visit would showcase Pakistan’s transformation and investment potential.
“I am confident he will find a country ready for transformation, investment, and partnership with the world,” he stated.
