Pakistan and the United Kingdom are exploring a long-term investment partnership to deepen trade and cooperation across several priority sectors.
The proposal emerged during talks between Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and British High Commissioner Jane Marriott in Islamabad. Both sides also discussed practical outcomes for the next Pakistan-UK Trade Dialogue.
The proposed partnership would be non-legally binding and could provide a framework for cooperation in mutually agreed areas. These include regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, education, workforce skills and investment financing.
Pakistan, UK Target Key Growth Sectors
The talks covered healthcare and life sciences, information technology, agriculture, livestock, financial services, aviation and minerals-related services. Livestock emerged as an important area for potential cooperation. Jam Kamal highlighted the government’s focus on improving animal productivity, increasing value addition and expanding meat exports.
He also pointed to opportunities for British technology, expertise and investment to modernise Pakistan’s livestock sector.
Meanwhile, the British side stressed the importance of food safety and regulatory standards. Meeting these requirements could help Pakistani producers access the UK and other international markets.
Pakistan Seeks Stronger Global Product Brands
The two sides also discussed ways to strengthen the international presence of Pakistani products. The talks covered pink salt, olive oil, food products, textiles and surgical instruments. Both sides highlighted quality assurance, value addition and effective marketing as key areas.
Pakistani businesses could also develop their own brands instead of remaining suppliers for international companies. This approach could allow local businesses to capture more value from products already reaching overseas markets.
The discussions also explored opportunities for Pakistani food businesses and restaurant brands to expand across the UK.
UK Discusses Airbus, Rolls-Royce Options for PIA
Aviation was another major area of discussion between the two sides. The British side briefed Jam Kamal on engagement involving Airbus and Rolls-Royce. The discussions included potential aircraft and engine arrangements for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), along with possible export credit support.
Aircraft leasing also emerged as an option for meeting PIA’s immediate fleet requirements. Longer-term procurement could then support broader fleet modernisation.
Jam Kamal said PIA’s direct international routes provide an important commercial advantage. However, he stressed the need for better services, reliable operations and modern aircraft to rebuild passenger confidence.
Minerals Sector Offers New Opportunities
Pakistan also wants experienced international partners to help develop its minerals sector. Jam Kamal highlighted the need for technical expertise, professional exploration services and joint ventures. Such partnerships could help strengthen domestic capabilities and improve the development of mineral resources.
The British side identified potential roles for UK companies in legal, financial and insurance services. It also expressed interest in facilitating UK business participation in Pakistan’s planned minerals conference.
Islamic Finance and Economic Reforms Discussed
The meeting also covered cooperation in Islamic finance and stronger financial links with the Pakistani diaspora in Britain. The British High Commissioner acknowledged Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms, including regulatory and tax changes. Jam Kamal highlighted tariff rationalisation as another important reform. He said better tariff structures could improve competitiveness, widen access to industrial inputs and encourage investment.
Pakistan and the UK have already identified trade and investment as key areas for deeper bilateral engagement. Their first ministerial-led Trade Dialogue in 2025 also focused on sectors such as healthcare, IT, education and professional services.
2027 to Showcase Pakistan-UK Economic Ties
The two sides also discussed Pakistan’s 80th anniversary in 2027. They explored plans to use the milestone to showcase Pakistani products, investment opportunities and areas of bilateral cooperation.
Business, education and cultural activities could form part of these efforts. The initiative could also give Pakistani companies another platform to strengthen their presence in the UK market.
Both sides agreed to continue coordination and develop practical proposals ahead of the next Trade Dialogue.
The latest discussions indicate a broader focus on moving Pakistan-UK economic relations beyond individual trade measures. The proposed investment partnership could provide a longer-term framework for cooperation across multiple sectors, if both sides translate the discussions into concrete agreements.
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