Ahsan Iqbal, UK minister discuss economic cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday met UK’s Minister of State for Trade Policy Chris Bryant to advance Pakistan-UK economic cooperation under the recently signed Trade Dialogue Mechanism.

Minister Iqbal reaffirmed that Pakistan and the United Kingdom shared a deep, historic bond rooted in longstanding cultural ties and strong people-to-people linkages.

He said Pakistan and the UK enjoyed excellent political relations, but it was time to match that strength on the economic front.”Our goal is to turn goodwill into growth.”

Highlighting that bilateral trade currently stands at £5.5 billion, the minister emphasised the need to significantly expand trade volumes.“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 said.

The minister underlined the importance of swiftly operationalising the three working groups established under the Trade Dialogue Mechanism to address priority areas and unlock commercial opportunities.“We cannot afford delays. The working groups must become operational immediately so our next ministerial meeting delivers concrete, measurable outcomes.”Minister Chris Bryant acknowledged the significance of the Trade Dialogue Mechanism signed in July 2025, which provides for annual ministerial engagements and requires the working groups to become functional within six months.

He noted that technical discussions around SPS measures and tariffs are essential, and emphasised the need for subject-matter experts to develop practical solutions.Responding to an inquiry on Pakistan’s broader economic direction, minister Ahsan Iqbal briefed on the Government of Pakistan’s efforts over the past three years to stabilize and grow the economy.“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 highlighted the government’s commitment to position Pakistan as a regional investment hub.“Under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision, Pakistan is positioning itself as a regional investment hub, a country where investors see stability, opportunity and long-term value.”The minister underscored Pakistan’s strong potential in IT human resources and the technology sector, identifying multiple avenues for Pak-UK collaboration in technological and scientific domains.“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 stressed the need to revitalise joint business forums to facilitate private-sector partnerships.Both sides expressed a strong desire to enhance cultural cooperation, including in fashion and design, music and arts, and tourism.

“Our cultural ties are a living bridge. Fashion, arts, design and tourism can become powerful forces to bring our people even closer,” said minister Ahsan Iqbal.

He also extended a formal invitation to Minister Chris Bryant to visit Pakistan.“I have invited Minister Chris Bryant to visit Pakistan. I am confident he will find a country ready for transformation, investment, and partnership with the world.”