Fri, September 18, 2026
Islamabad (Web Desk): Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar on Tuesday urged US companies to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, saying that greater economic cooperation between the two countries could help raise bilateral trade to US$20 billion within the next five years.
While speaking to a visiting US Congressional delegation (CODEL) along with a senior American business delegation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar said Pakistan attached significant importance to its decades-long strategic and economic relationship with the US and was determined to expand collaboration in trade, investment and new areas of growth.
Video of the remarks by the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 to the CODEL & U.S. Business Delegation (28 July 2026) pic.twitter.com/K2KrULruUR
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 28, 2026
Welcoming the delegates, the deputy prime minister said their visit represented the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and the US and reflected the increasing positive trajectory in bilateral relations.
He said both countries, which have the world’s fifth and third largest populations respectively, had enormous potential to develop a mutually beneficial partnership by combining their economic capabilities and strengths.
“The United States is Pakistan’s largest single-country export destination, with bilateral trade reaching $9.4 billion during the last fiscal year,” he said, adding that he was confident the figure could be increased to $20 billion over the next five years.
DPM Dar stressed that Pakistan supported a fair, balanced and mutually beneficial trade framework that could generate economic value for both nations and improve prosperity for their people.
He highlighted that Pakistan continued to be one of the biggest importers of US cotton and soybeans, contributing to the growth of American agricultural exports, while also becoming a promising market for US energy products.
The deputy premier added that Pakistan’s rising need for modern machinery, advanced technology and capital goods presented valuable opportunities for American companies.
He said that several prominent US firms were currently exploring possibilities in Pakistan’s technology, artificial intelligence, critical minerals, energy, defence and manufacturing sectors.
Dar added that Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms and favourable US tariff environment had strengthened the country’s appeal as an investment destination.
The deputy premier also emphasized the importance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), describing it as a centralized platform created to make investment procedures easier by speeding up approvals and improving coordination between government departments.
He invited US business representatives to continue their engagement with the SIFC to transform available opportunities into sustainable and long-term business partnerships.
“The Government of Pakistan remains committed to deepening its constructive engagement with the US government, businesses, investors and entrepreneurs to expand bilateral trade and investment across goods and services, including IT, AI, energy, manufacturing, critical minerals, agriculture and other emerging sectors,” he said.
He said Pakistan was ready to provide competitive incentives to encourage greater US investment, including opportunities available in special economic zones and technology parks.
The deputy prime minister expressed hope that the US Export-Import Bank (Ex-Im Bank), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) would continue playing a role in promoting stronger trade and investment relations between Pakistan and the United States.
Inviting American investors to become part of Pakistan’s economic transformation, Dar assured them that the government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, would continue offering full support and facilitation to ensure their long-term success in the country.
He said Pakistan’s embassy in Washington, D.C., along with its consulates throughout the US, would remain available to assist American investors and help them connect with relevant institutions in Pakistan.
Highlighting the wider scope of Pakistan-US relations, Ishaq Dar said both countries shared the common vision of advancing peace, stability and prosperity. He reiterated that Pakistan believed dialogue and diplomacy were the only lasting solutions for resolving disputes and maintaining regional peace.
The deputy prime minister said Pakistan’s diplomatic position had improved significantly in recent years and the country was now being recognized internationally as a responsible actor working to promote regional and global stability.
DPM Dar encouraged members of the visiting US business delegation to act as ambassadors of Pakistan’s positive image in America by highlighting the country’s vast investment potential and helping promote its economic opportunities within the wider US business community.
Earlier on Tuesday, a visiting United States (US) Congressional delegation met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar for talks focused on enhancing bilateral relations and discussing issues of shared interest.
The delegation, consisting of Representatives Ryan Zinke and Michael Baumgartner, was received by the deputy prime minister, who highlighted the encouraging progress in ties between Pakistan and the US.
During the meeting, both sides explored opportunities to broaden cooperation in key sectors, including trade, investment, information technology, energy, and other mutually beneficial fields.
According to a statement issued by the Foreign Office (FO) spokesperson, the discussions also emphasized the value of regular parliamentary engagement in strengthening mutual confidence and reinforcing the enduring partnership between the two nations.
A U.S. Congressional Delegation (CODEL), comprising @RepRyanZinke and @RepBaumgartner, called on Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 today.
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) July 28, 2026
Welcoming the delegation, the DPM/FM highlighted the positive momentum in Pakistan-U.S.… pic.twitter.com/8iC5m7NVMd
The US lawmakers acknowledged the significant role played by the Pakistani diaspora in contributing to American economic growth and social development, describing the community as an important link connecting Pakistan and the US.
The meeting further included an exchange of views on regional and global affairs, with the visiting congressmen commending Pakistan's positive efforts in supporting peace and stability across the region.
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