FM Aurangzeb meets top US officials for trade talks

WASHINGTON: Pakistan and the United States have expressed optimism over the outcomes of their ongoing trade talks, as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met senior US officials during a visit to Washington on Thursday.

Aurangzeb, who is leading Pakistan’s delegation, held discussions with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and United States Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Jamieson Greer, Finance Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

According to the ministry, both sides expressed satisfaction with the progress in enhancing trade and economic ties, a cornerstone of Pakistan-US bilateral relations.

They reaffirmed their commitment to exploring opportunities to strengthen these ties in all possible areas of mutual benefit.

The finance minister highlighted the importance of expanding trade beyond traditional sectors, pointing to Pakistan’s interest in deepening ties in information technology, minerals, and agriculture.

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He noted that the US remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner and expressed hope that the ongoing talks would result in mutually beneficial agreements.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic cooperation and welcomed the forward momentum in bilateral trade talks.