Pakistan and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment.

Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy in Islamabad, met with Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday at the Ministry of Finance. The meeting focused on expanding economic cooperation and exploring new avenues for commercial engagement.

Aurangzeb underlined Pakistan’s economic progress, describing it as a “turning point.” He referred to the recent upgrade by Moody’s, which brought all three major international rating agencies into alignment regarding Pakistan’s economic performance. He attributed this progress to the government’s implementation of essential economic reforms.

The minister also drew attention to Pakistan’s recent tariff reforms, designed to liberalise trade and position the country for export-led growth. He acknowledged the United States for its ongoing economic and development support.

Recalling his recent visit to Washington, D.C., Aurangzeb mentioned meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, during which both sides worked towards finalising a bilateral trade agreement.

The proposed agreement, he said, would mark a new chapter in Pakistan–US economic cooperation, particularly across energy, minerals, information technology, cryptocurrency, and other priority sectors. He expressed confidence that it would also lead to increased US investment in Pakistan’s infrastructure, digital economy and mining sectors.

Baker welcomed the progress on the trade deal, describing it as a key opportunity to expand commercial ties between the two nations. She said US firms had shown strong interest in investment and entrepreneurial activities in Pakistan, particularly in supply chain development, energy, project management, critical minerals, mining, and oil exploration.

Both sides expressed readiness to advance these initiatives and ensure practical outcomes, with a shared objective of strengthening bilateral trade and economic cooperation.