Aurangzeb, Lutnick discuss boosting Pakistan–US trade, investment

WASHINGTON: A high-level Pakistani delegation, led by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard A. Lutnick in Washington DC, focusing on strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.

Aurangzeb was accompanied by the Secretary of Commerce, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States and trade and economic ministers, read a statement on Saturday.

“Both sides expressed the desire to enhance our economic cooperation, especially in the fields of trade and investment, besides discussing the USA’s interest in investing in fields of ICT, mining, minerals and energy,” it added.

The Minister of Finance appreciated the role of the US Chamber of Commerce in organising the US-Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum on 31st March, 2026, which would be attended by renowned companies from both countries, besides ministerial representation from Pakistan and the USA.

Aurangzeb expressed the hope that the office of the US Commerce Secretary would also participate in the same. Both sides reiterated their commitment to further their engagements on investments in major projects in the coming months, added the statement.

Last week, Aurangzeb said he would travel to the United States to advance economic engagement, as Pakistan reassessed its trade positioning following recent agreements between New Delhi and Washington, with Bangladesh also reaching an understanding with Washington, which has unsettled local industry.