Pakistan, UK decide to intensify bilateral trade engagement

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom (UK) have agreed to intensify bilateral trade engagement, enhance business-to-business (B2B) cooperation, and explore upgrading the existing trade dialogue into a more structured and institutionalised economic framework. The understanding was reached during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and British High Commissioner (HC) Jane Marriott at the Ministry of Commerce on Thursday. Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and senior officials from both sides were also present. The commerce minister highlighted that Pakistan is advancing tariff rationalisation, digitalisation, and regulatory reforms to improve competitiveness and facilitate business. He noted that predictable tariffs, improved access to finance, and affordable industrial inputs would enable SMEs, e-commerce ventures, and export-oriented enterprises to expand into new markets. Jam Kamal Khan identified Africa and Central Asia as promising export destinations and stressed the need for enhanced cooperation in standards, certification, traceability, environmental compliance, and value addition. British High Commissioner Jane Marriott appreciated Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and said the UK is considering transforming the existing Trade Dialogue into a stronger institutional mechanism with defined sectors, dedicated working groups, and clear implementation timelines. Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul informed the meeting that two Pakistan–UK working groups are already operational, while additional groups have been proposed to broaden the scope of cooperation. He also emphasised the need to strengthen the role of the UK–Pakistan Business Council in facilitating trade, promoting investment, and developing commercially viable projects. He further noted that Pakistan is reinforcing its intellectual property enforcement regime, adding that the appointment of a new Chairman of the Intellectual Property Organisation of Pakistan is expected soon. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and work towards holding the next Pakistan–UK Trade Dialogue in Islamabad in autumn this year. Separately, the commerce minister also met a delegation from Meta, led by Tehara Punchihewa, Asia-Pacific Public Policy, and Vivian Liang, Policy Programs Manager. The delegation introduced the Small Business Growth Academy, a programme aimed at training 1, 000 SMEs across Pakistan between August and November 2026 on digital platforms, AI-powered tools, and online marketing strategies. The initiative will be implemented by local partner AtomCamp and offered free of cost. The programme is designed to enhance digital skills, expand market access, and support women entrepreneurs and businesses in smaller cities through both physical and online training sessions. Welcoming the initiative, Jam Kamal Khan said the government is placing digitalisation at the centre of its reform agenda, with efforts underway to improve governance, service delivery, and economic competitiveness through technology. He informed the delegation that Pakistan is finalising a comprehensive e-commerce policy, while work on an artificial intelligence policy is also in progress to promote innovation and technology-driven growth. The minister emphasised that artificial intelligence should be viewed as a strategic tool for policy analysis, data-driven decision-making, business intelligence, and public sector efficiency, rather than merely a conversational technology. Highlighting the ministry’s priorities, he said Pakistan is increasingly focusing on digital trade, e-commerce, and the use of technology to boost exports and strengthen engagement with global markets. He noted that Pakistan’s young population, rising smartphone penetration, and expanding digital economy offer significant opportunities for global technology firms to partner in building digital skills and empowering entrepreneurs. Encouraging broader collaboration, the minister invited Meta to engage with the Directorate General of Trade Organisations (DGTO), chambers of commerce, and trade bodies to maximise the outreach of the SME training programme. He assured full facilitation from the Ministry of Commerce. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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