LONDON – Pakistan and the United Kingdom have officially launched a new Business Advisory Council aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties. The announcement came during the inaugural UK-Pakistan Trade Dialogue, co-chaired by UK Minister for Trade Policy and Economic Security Douglas Alexander and Pakistan’s Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.
The council will include top business leaders and government officials from both countries, providing strategic guidance on policy reforms, market access, and investment facilitation. It will serve as a platform for mutual consultation and collaboration, with a focus on removing trade barriers and adopting global best practices.
As part of the initiative, the UK pledged up to £200,000 in technical assistance to support Pakistan’s investment promotion efforts. This funding will help connect investors, streamline processes, and encourage outbound investment from Pakistan.
Douglas Alexander emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in health and digital technology, key sectors in the UK’s industrial strategy. “By working together, we can drive innovation, create jobs, and unlock new business opportunities,” he said.
Jam Kamal Khan called the UK a vital economic partner and highlighted the dialogue as a foundation for a more structured and forward-looking trade relationship. He stressed the importance of aligning priorities to foster sustainable growth and investment.
The joint statement revealed that bilateral trade between Pakistan and the UK rose by 7.3% in the last quarter, reaching £4.7 billion. The dialogue also underscored the UK’s commitment to open and fair trade, with reforms aimed at making its market more accessible and predictable for international businesses.
This strategic partnership marks a new chapter in Pakistan-UK economic relations, with both nations committed to deepening ties through innovation, investment, and shared prosperity.
