*Pakistan, UK explore investment partnership to boost trade and business cooperation*

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United Kingdom have discussed further strengthening bilateral trade and investment cooperation in priority sectors, with both sides seeking concrete outcomes through the next Pakistan-UK Trade Dialogue.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan and British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott at the Ministry of Commerce on October 7, 2026.

Secretary Commerce Jawad Paul and senior officials of the Ministry of Commerce also attended the meeting.

The two sides explored opportunities to expand cooperation in healthcare and life sciences, information technology, agriculture and livestock, financial services, aviation and minerals-related services.

The British side proposed the possibility of establishing a long-term, non-legally binding investment partnership, supported at the ministerial level, to provide a framework for cooperation in mutually agreed sectors.

Potential areas under the proposed partnership include regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, education and workforce skills, and investment financing.

Jam Kamal Khan highlighted livestock as a key area for bilateral cooperation, noting the Prime Minister’s interest in strengthening the sector, improving animal productivity and increasing value addition and meat exports.

The minister said British expertise, technology and investment could play an important role in promoting modern livestock practices and developing stronger commercial linkages.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott stressed the importance of incorporating food safety and regulatory requirements into sector development to enable Pakistani producers to gain greater access to the UK and other international markets.

The meeting also reviewed ongoing cooperation through the Pakistan-UK Healthcare and Life Sciences Working Group.

The Commerce Minister emphasised the need to strengthen the international branding of Pakistani products and enable domestic businesses to establish a stronger presence in overseas markets.

The discussions covered opportunities to promote Pakistani pink salt, olive oil, food products, textiles and surgical instruments through improved quality assurance, value addition and effective international marketing.

Both sides noted the potential for Pakistani businesses to develop their own brands and capture greater value from products already being supplied to international markets. Opportunities for Pakistani food businesses and restaurant brands to expand their presence in the United Kingdom were also discussed.

Aviation emerged as another key area of cooperation. The British side briefed the minister on engagement involving Airbus and Rolls-Royce, including potential aircraft and engine arrangements for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) and possible export credit support.

The two sides also discussed aircraft leasing as a potential option to meet PIA’s immediate fleet requirements while longer-term procurement options are considered.

Jam Kamal Khan said PIA’s direct international routes represented an important commercial advantage and stressed the need to improve service standards, operational reliability and fleet modernisation to restore passenger confidence.

The British High Commissioner acknowledged Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform efforts, including regulatory and tax reforms. The Commerce Minister highlighted tariff rationalisation as an important measure to improve competitiveness, facilitate access to industrial inputs and encourage investment.

The meeting also explored cooperation in Islamic finance, including opportunities to strengthen financial links with the Pakistani diaspora in the United Kingdom.

On the minerals sector, Jam Kamal Khan stressed the need for experienced technical partners, professional exploration services and joint ventures to develop Pakistan’s domestic capabilities.

The British side identified potential areas of contribution in legal, financial, insurance and other professional services supporting the minerals sector. It also expressed interest in facilitating participation of UK businesses in Pakistan’s planned minerals conference.

Looking ahead to Pakistan’s 80th anniversary in 2027, the two sides discussed using the milestone to showcase Pakistani products, investment opportunities and areas of bilateral cooperation through a series of business, educational and cultural engagements.

The meeting concluded with both sides emphasising continued coordination to develop practical proposals and advance preparations for the next Pakistan-UK Trade Dialogue.