Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to further strengthening its strategic and economic partnership with the United States through enhanced trade, investment, and parliamentary engagement. He was addressing a delegation of members of the US House of Representatives, including Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner, and American business leaders in Islamabad.
According to Radio Pakistan, Ishaq Dar stated that the Pakistan-US relationship continues to gain momentum under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and US President Donald Trump, with frequent high-level engagements reinforcing mutual trust, respect, and cooperation. The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted the importance of parliamentary exchanges in promoting mutual understanding and strengthening institutional ties. He expressed confidence that the visit would provide the US delegation with a better understanding of Pakistan's cultural heritage, society, and economic potential.
Referring to regional developments, Ishaq Dar mentioned Pakistan's commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful resolution of disputes. He appreciated the role of President Donald Trump and his administration in facilitating the Pakistan-India ceasefire understanding last year. Additionally, he highlighted Pakistan's role as a facilitator in the US-Iran dialogue, which led to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding earlier this year.
Emphasizing the growing economic dimension of bilateral relations, the Deputy Prime Minister noted that the United States is Pakistan's largest single-country export destination, with bilateral trade in goods reaching 9.4 billion dollars during the last fiscal year. He expressed confidence that bilateral trade could double to 20 billion dollars over the next five years through stronger commercial and investment linkages. Ishaq Dar also highlighted Pakistan's role as an importer of US cotton, soybeans, and energy products, while noting opportunities for American businesses in Pakistan's demand for advanced technology, machinery, and capital goods.
Welcoming the US business delegation, he noted the presence of more than 80 American companies in Pakistan, reflecting confidence in the country's market and economic prospects. He invited US investors to explore opportunities in sectors such as technology, critical minerals, energy, defense, manufacturing, agriculture, and information technology. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized Pakistan's improving macroeconomic outlook, structural reforms, and investment facilitation mechanisms that have created a more business-friendly environment.
He stated that the government has streamlined regulatory procedures, improved infrastructure, and remains committed to facilitating foreign investment through the Special Investment Facilitation Council and competitive incentives, including in Special Economic Zones and technology parks. Ishaq Dar also acknowledged the US EXIM Bank's financing of 1.25 billion dollars for the Reko Diq project, describing it as a vote of confidence in Pakistan's economic future.
Ishaq Dar reaffirmed that the Government of Pakistan remained fully committed to supporting US businesses and investors and expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral cooperation and open new avenues for trade and investment between the two countries.