Pakistan and the United Kingdom have discussed ways to expand bilateral trade and investment cooperation across key sectors, with both sides seeking concrete outcomes through the next bilateral Trade Dialogue.
The discussions took place on October 7 during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott at the Ministry of Commerce.
Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and senior officials from the ministry also attended the meeting.
Pakistan, UK Consider Long-Term Investment Partnership
The British side outlined the possibility of developing a long-term, non-legally binding investment partnership, supported at the ministerial level.
The proposed framework could provide a structured platform for cooperation in mutually agreed sectors, including regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, education and workforce skills, and investment financing.
Both sides discussed the need to translate bilateral engagement into practical proposals that can support businesses and encourage investment between the two countries.
Livestock Identified as Key Investment Opportunity
Jam Kamal Khan highlighted livestock as an important area for Pakistan-UK cooperation, noting the Prime Minister’s interest in strengthening the sector.
The Minister emphasized opportunities to improve animal productivity, increase value addition and expand meat exports.
British expertise, technology and investment could support Pakistan in developing modern livestock practices and strengthening commercial linkages across the sector.
The British High Commissioner stressed that food safety and regulatory requirements should be incorporated into sector development to help Pakistani producers gain greater access to the UK and other international markets.
The meeting also reviewed ongoing cooperation through the healthcare and life sciences working group.
Pakistan Seeks Stronger Global Branding
The Commerce Minister emphasized the need to improve the international branding of Pakistani products and help local businesses establish stronger positions in overseas markets.
The discussions covered opportunities to promote Pakistani pink salt, olive oil, food products, textiles and surgical instruments through improved quality assurance, value addition and more effective marketing.
Both sides recognized that Pakistani businesses could capture greater value by developing their own brands rather than primarily supplying products to international markets under foreign brands.
Opportunities for Pakistani food companies and restaurant brands to expand their presence in the United Kingdom were also discussed.
Aviation Cooperation and PIA Fleet Modernisation
Aviation emerged as another significant area of potential cooperation.
The British side briefed the Commerce Minister on engagement involving Airbus and Rolls-Royce, including potential aircraft and engine arrangements for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and possible export credit support.
Aircraft leasing was also discussed as a potential way to address PIA’s immediate fleet requirements while longer-term procurement options are considered.
Jam Kamal Khan highlighted PIA’s direct international routes as an important commercial advantage and stressed the importance of improving service standards, reliability and fleet modernisation to rebuild passenger confidence.
Tariff Reforms and Investment Climate
The British High Commissioner acknowledged Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform efforts, including work on regulatory and tax reforms.
Jam Kamal Khan highlighted tariff rationalisation as an important component of improving competitiveness, expanding access to industrial inputs and encouraging investment.
The discussions reflected a broader focus on improving the business environment and reducing barriers that could restrict trade and investment flows.
Pakistan, UK Explore Islamic Finance Cooperation
The two sides also discussed cooperation in Islamic finance.
The talks included opportunities to strengthen financial connections with the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom and explore mechanisms that could support greater financial and investment linkages.
Islamic finance represents another potential area for expanding commercial cooperation between the two countries.
UK Expertise Sought for Pakistan’s Minerals Sector
Minerals were also identified as an area with significant potential for bilateral cooperation.
Jam Kamal Khan emphasized Pakistan’s need for experienced technical partners, professional exploration services and joint ventures to strengthen domestic capabilities in the minerals sector.
The British side identified potential opportunities for UK companies to provide legal, financial, insurance and other professional services supporting minerals-related activities.
The UK side also expressed interest in facilitating business participation in Pakistan’s planned minerals conference.
Pakistan’s 80th Anniversary to Provide Business Platform
Looking ahead to Pakistan’s 80th anniversary in 2027, both sides discussed using the milestone to showcase Pakistani products, investment opportunities and areas of bilateral cooperation.
A series of business, educational and cultural engagements could provide additional platforms for strengthening people-to-people and commercial ties between Pakistan and the UK.
Next Trade Dialogue to Focus on Practical Outcomes
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on continued coordination and the development of practical proposals ahead of the next bilateral Trade Dialogue.
The priority areas discussed—including livestock, healthcare and life sciences, IT, agriculture, financial services, aviation, minerals, Islamic finance and product branding—could provide a broader base for Pakistan-UK trade and investment cooperation.
Both sides indicated a focus on converting ongoing discussions into concrete initiatives that can support businesses, investment and bilateral economic engagement.