Islamabad: Pakistan has announced the dispatch of a high-level delegation to the United States for crucial talks aimed at strengthening bilateral trade ties and addressing the ongoing tariff disputes between the two nations. The decision, made under the guidance of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, follows the US’s recent imposition of a 29% duty on Pakistani goods, a response to Pakistan’s own tariff hike on US products.

The delegation, set to include key business leaders and major exporters, will focus on negotiating the newly-introduced tariffs, which have raised concerns within Pakistan’s business community. The Prime Minister has tasked the delegation with crafting a long-term strategy to safeguard Pakistan’s trade interests and explore potential avenues for mutual cooperation, particularly in the mineral sector, which has been identified as a key area of economic growth for both countries.

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The move comes on the heels of rising tensions over trade imbalances, as the US has become Pakistan’s largest single-country export market, with exports predominantly consisting of textiles. In response to the 29% tariff imposed by Washington, Pakistani exports now face a total duty of 39%, which includes a baseline import duty of 10% alongside the new reciprocal tariff.

PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the delegation will not only address the tariff issue but will also engage in talks about Pakistan’s vast mineral wealth, which the US sees as a potential source of mutual benefit. Senior US officials, including Eric Meyer, Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs at the US State Department, recently highlighted Pakistan’s critical minerals as a strategic priority, underscoring the potential for investment and collaboration in this sector.

Meyer, who led a delegation to Islamabad earlier, noted that Pakistan’s mineral resources could offer significant opportunities for both nations, especially in sectors requiring critical raw materials for advanced technologies. He suggested that both countries could benefit from responsible development and transparent management of these resources.

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In light of these developments, the delegation’s discussions will also include the exploration of joint ventures and investments aimed at unlocking the full potential of Pakistan’s minerals. These discussions are expected to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, complementing ongoing talks about expanding trade relations.

The announcement of the delegation’s visit comes shortly after PM Shehbaz Sharif met with the US team led by Eric Meyer, where discussions also revolved around economic collaboration, counterterrorism efforts, and enhancing people-to-people ties.

The delegation is expected to meet with US officials to resolve the tariff dispute and foster cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and minerals. The team will also advocate for greater engagement from US businesses in Pakistan’s burgeoning minerals sector, positioning it as a priority for the country’s long-term economic strategy.

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As the delegation prepares for its visit, the Pakistani government remains optimistic that these talks will pave the way for better trade relations with the US, benefiting both nations in the long run.

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