ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, has termed the recent US-Pakistan trade agreement a significant diplomatic milestone, stating it is poised to bring a transformational shift in bilateral trade and investment ties.
Talking to a TV channel, Ambassador Sheikh emphasized that the deal not only covers trade but also lays the groundwork for expanded investment and strategic cooperation.
“From the very beginning, we made it clear that Pakistan’s competitiveness must not be undermined by tariff structures, especially in comparison to regional economies,” he said.
Ambassador Sheikh underscored that the agreement follows sustained diplomatic engagement and high-level meetings, including discussions between Pakistan’s Foreign Minister and US Senator Marco Rubio, where both sides agreed on the need to pursue a strategic partnership.
Under the terms of the agreement, Pakistan is expected to increase imports of key US commodities, including cotton, soybean, and petroleum products, as part of a broader effort to rebalance trade.
He also highlighted Pakistan’s untapped natural resource potential:
“According to independent surveys, Pakistan ranks fourth globally in oil and gas reserves. This fact is well known to the US government, and it presents significant opportunities for bilateral energy cooperation.”
The ambassador noted that this deal is expected to unlock new avenues for foreign direct investment (FDI) in Pakistan and deepen economic engagement between the two countries.
“This is not just a trade agreement; it is a gateway to long-term strategic and economic alignment,” he added.
The development is being seen as a major step forward in redefining US-Pakistan relations, with potential impacts across sectors including energy, agriculture, and industrial cooperation.
