ISLAMABAD: Pakistan aims to double its bilateral trade with the United States to $20 billion over the next five years by expanding economic cooperation and attracting more American investment, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on Tuesday while addressing a visiting delegation of US Congressmen.
Dar pitched Pakistan as an increasingly attractive investment destination, citing improving macroeconomic conditions, ongoing structural reforms and opportunities in sectors including artificial intelligence, critical minerals, energy, manufacturing and defense.
“Our trade in goods during the last fiscal year reached $9.4 billion,” he said. “While encouraging ... we are confident that together we can double bilateral trade to $20 billion over the next five years by fully harnessing the complementarity of our economies.”
The remarks came as Pakistan seeks to deepen economic ties with Washington while broadening foreign investment following signs of economic stabilization after securing an International Monetary Fund bailout last year.
Dar said Pakistan believed in “fair, balanced, and reciprocal trade” that created value for both economies, noting that the country remained among the largest importers of US cotton and soybeans while also emerging as an important market for US hydrocarbons.
He said more than 80 American companies already operated in Pakistan, reflecting confidence in the country’s market and long-term economic potential.
“I am particularly encouraged to see leading American companies exploring opportunities across Pakistan’s technology, critical minerals, energy, and defense sectors,” he said. “This growing interest reflects confidence in Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic outlook and long-term investment potential.”
Dar urged investors to work through the government’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a one-window platform established to streamline approvals and facilitate foreign investment.
“We have streamlined regulatory procedures, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, simplifying licensing requirements, shortening approval timelines and enhancing transparency to create a more business-friendly investment climate,” he said.
Dar also welcomed the US Export-Import Bank’s $1.25 billion financing for the Reko Diq copper-and-gold mining project, saying it reflected growing confidence in Pakistan’s economic future and would pave the way for further American investment.
Alongside the economic agenda, Dar described Pakistan-US ties as gaining momentum, citing frequent high-level engagements and expanded cooperation on regional issues.
He also thanked Washington for its role in helping facilitate a ceasefire between Pakistan and India in May 2025 after a brief but intense military standoff, saying Pakistan supports dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable path to lasting peace.
