Ishaq Dar says expect trade deal with United States soon

WASHINGTON: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has said Pakistan considers trade as future not the aid, while replying to a question in the US think tank the Atlantic Council.

“We are hopeful for a trade agreement with the United States based on mutual benefit,” Pakistan’s DPM and Foreign Minister was replying to questions in the session.

He said the economic ties with the US are improving. “Talks are ongoing, we are expecting a trade deal soon”.

Ishaq Dar said Pakistan wants better access to the US markets. “We are hopeful for the United States’ investment in energy, mining and technology sectors”, he further said.

Earlier, the DPM held meeting the US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. US officials received the Deputy Prime Minister upon his arrival at the US State Department.

Pakistan’s ambassador to the US Rizwan Saeed Sheikh also accompanied him. Later, senior officials from both sides participated in the delegation-level meeting.

The discussion focused on promoting bilateral trade and economic ties, cooperation in important sectors including investment, agriculture, technology, minerals, counterterrorism and regional peace.