Pakistan-US reciprocal trade talks can open new avenues for trade and investment: LCCI President

Calls for tariff reductions and greater market access for Pakistani exports
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol appreciates secretary commerce Jawad Paul for advancing national economic interest

By Muhammad Shahzad Lahore Pakistan

LAHORE: President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, has welcomed the ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the United States on a Reciprocal Trade Agreement, terming them an important step towards strengthening bilateral economic relations and expanding opportunities for trade, investment and industrial cooperation.
The LCCI President appreciated Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and the Pakistani delegation for effectively representing the country’s economic interests during the negotiations in Washington. He said that the business community is encouraged by the government’s efforts to pursue a constructive and forward-looking trade agenda with one of Pakistan’s most significant trading partners.
Faheem ur Rehman Saigol said that the talks hold immense importance as their successful conclusion could lay the groundwork for stronger economic ties between Pakistan and the United States. He noted that in the present global economic environment, Pakistan must capitalize on every opportunity to enhance exports, diversify markets and attract foreign investment to support sustainable economic growth.
He emphasized that tariff reductions on Pakistani exports should remain a key priority of the negotiations. Pakistan possesses strong export potential in sectors such as textiles and apparel, sports goods, surgical instruments, leather products, engineering goods, information technology services and value-added agricultural products. Improved access to the US market for these sectors would significantly increase export earnings, generate employment and strengthen the country’s industrial base.
The LCCI President said that the agreement should also address non-tariff barriers that often limit the growth of bilateral trade. Measures aimed at simplifying trade procedures, improving regulatory cooperation and facilitating business-to-business engagement would help unlock the true potential of economic relations between the two countries.
Faheem ur Rehman Saigol observed that the United States remains one of Pakistan’s largest export destinations and that there is considerable room for further expansion of bilateral trade. He said that a balanced reciprocal trade arrangement should create opportunities for both sides while ensuring that Pakistani exporters receive fair and competitive access to the American market.
He further stressed the importance of attracting greater US investment in Pakistan. Enhanced economic cooperation in sectors such as information technology, manufacturing, energy, infrastructure, agribusiness and logistics can contribute significantly to technology transfer, productivity enhancement and long-term economic development. Increased investment flows would also help create jobs and strengthen Pakistan’s position in regional and global supply chains.
The LCCI President said that Pakistan’s strategic location, entrepreneurial talent and growing industrial capacity make it an attractive destination for international investors. He urged both governments to use the ongoing negotiations as a platform for developing a broader economic partnership that extends beyond trade and includes investment, innovation and industrial collaboration.

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