Pakistan, UK launch trade dialogue to boost bilateral commerce, tackle barriers

Pakistan and the United Kingdom formally launched the U.K.-Pakistan Trade Dialogue Mechanism on Tuesday, establishing a dedicated platform to expand bilateral trade, unlock market opportunities, and address trade barriers, according to a statement by Pakistan’s Ministry of Commerce.

Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan led Pakistan’s delegation at the launch ceremony held in London, while U.K. Secretary of State for Business and Trade Douglas Alexander M.P. headed the British side. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the U.K., Dr. Mohammad Faisal, was also in attendance.

The newly established mechanism provides an institutional framework to strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries. Both sides reiterated their commitment to using the platform to identify untapped market potential, remove trade impediments, and foster deeper collaboration across sectors.

Pakistan’s delegation emphasized the country’s growing export capacity in high-value sectors including information technology, renewable energy, agri-tech, and pharmaceuticals. In response, the U.K. acknowledged Pakistan’s evolving export profile and expressed interest in expanding trade under the U.K.'s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), which aims to support sustainable development through enhanced market access.

The agreement includes comprehensive Terms of Reference that outline the structure for future engagement through joint working groups and regular review sessions. Key focus areas identified for collaboration include digital trade, sustainable supply chains, and enhanced institutional linkages between the two nations.

Officials on both sides described the launch of the Trade and Investment Dialogue as a step toward realizing a dynamic, mutually beneficial economic partnership.