Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that Pakistan aims to build on ongoing trade negotiations with the United States by incorporating discussions on investment, calling it a potential “game-changer” for the economic relationship between the two countries. Following his meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, Aurangzeb shared that both sides had committed to quickly transition from trade talks, focused on tariff relief, to investment dialogues centered on strategic sectors.
Key areas identified for investment include minerals and mining, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and cryptocurrency—sectors that hold significant promise for Pakistan’s economic development. Aurangzeb described the talks as “very constructive” and stressed the importance of finalizing outstanding issues. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul were also present during the discussions.
The minister highlighted that the US, Pakistan’s largest trading partner, plays a crucial role in the country’s economic progress. In particular, the talks seek to secure a long-term reciprocal tariff agreement that would prevent the reimposition of a 29 percent tariff on Pakistani exports such as textiles and agricultural products. The US administration has set an August 15 deadline for concrete outcomes from its trade negotiations with multiple partners.
A senior Pakistani official emphasized that these talks are based on mutual benefit rather than aid dependence, signaling Pakistan’s determination to engage in serious negotiations. Backing from influential US-based investors in sectors like cryptocurrency and rare earth minerals also supports Pakistan’s ambitions. Earlier this year, the Pakistan Crypto Council partnered with a US-based decentralised finance platform linked to former President Donald Trump, highlighting increased American interest in Pakistan’s growing economic sectors.
The evolving trade and investment dialogue marks a pivotal step towards deepening the Pakistan-US economic partnership, reflecting both countries’ interest in fostering resilient and diversified cooperation for future growth.