Pakistan strengthens UK trade links

July 18, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan is ramping up trade and investment ties with the UK, focusing on tech, green energy, and SMEs, during high-level London engagements led by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.

In a bid to boost bilateral trade, Pakistan has expressed its readiness to diversify its export basket in alignment with the United Kingdom’s industrial needs, particularly those of the Midlands region.

During a detailed meeting with the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, the Pakistani Minister highlighted the country’s commitment to expanding its export portfolio beyond traditional sectors like textiles. He emphasized Pakistan’s evolving strengths in processed foods, fisheries, pharmaceuticals, leather goods, IT services, furniture, ceramics, and sports goods.

The Minister urged LCCI to forge targeted Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Pakistani chambers and trade bodies, laying the foundation for long-term sectoral cooperation.

Pakistan’s growing appeal as a green investment destination was also emphasized, with a call for UK firms to participate in its renewable energy transition.

The Jam Khan Kamal visit also included a key engagement with the Pakistan Britain Business Council (PBBC), where he recognized the Council’s pivotal role in bridging public–private linkages.

PBBC commended Pakistan’s steps to revive PIA’s UK operations, highlighting their positive impact on perishable exports.

The Minister called for expanding support to high-growth sectors such as IT services, women-led SMEs, and creative industries, and stressed the importance of academic collaboration, diaspora involvement, and tourism development as additional trade enablers.

At the UK–Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (UKPCCI), the Minister promoted tighter matchmaking between UK buyers and trusted Pakistani suppliers.

He encouraged UKPCCI to mobilize diaspora-led investment through joint ventures, franchising, and startup incubation.

The Minister also supported initiatives for joint accelerators and digital B2B platforms to improve Pakistan’s footprint in the UK’s tech economy.

Chamber members showed interest in introducing solar-powered heating appliances to Pakistan and developing fresh produce supply chains aimed at major UK retailers.

In response, Pakistan’s Trade Wing was directed to facilitate follow-ups and enable direct business-to-business linkages.

The day concluded with a networking dinner bringing together UK-based academics, professionals, and IT entrepreneurs of Pakistani origin.

In his remarks, the visiting Minister emphasized the private sector’s role in export diversification and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to building deeper commercial ties with both UK-based businesses and diaspora-led ventures.

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