Overview
- Pakistan, which proposed a UK free trade agreement during talks Thursday, cast it as a long-term step that follows growing trade between the two countries.
- Both sides agreed to switch on sector working groups in healthcare and life sciences, IT, agriculture, professional services, and education and skills to turn broad goals into concrete plans.
- The UK delegation pressed for changes to Pakistan’s intellectual property rules and for consistent policy signals to steady investor confidence.
- Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said Pakistan is pursuing tariff and regulatory reforms to make the market more competitive and attract foreign investment.
- Officials flagged higher shipping costs tied to tensions near the Strait of Hormuz, with Pakistan warning the added maritime charges are cutting into its export margins.