Pakistan, UK resume development talks after 8 years; trade ties make major headway
Business
Pakistan and the United Kingdom have restarted development talks after eight years, marking a major breakthrough in trade and economic cooperation.
ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Pakistan and the United Kingdom have made significant progress in their economic and development partnership, thanks to efforts led by the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met UK Minister for Development, Baroness Judith Chapman, where both sides formally resumed a fresh round of development talks after an eight-year pause.
Officials noted that more than 200 British companies are currently operating in Pakistan, pushing bilateral trade volume beyond £5.5 billion. The two delegations discussed ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, climate action, and the social sector, agreeing that both economies can “move forward together” through stronger partnerships.
During the visit, Baroness Chapman and Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui jointly launched the next phase of the Pak-UK Education Gateway. The new phase introduces startup funds, expands online learning programs, and improves access to educational opportunities for students and researchers.
Both sides also explored investment in health, education, population welfare, and environmental sustainability. A new Green Compact Program was introduced under the broader framework of environmental protection, natural resource management, and green technologies.
Officials said the recent developments will help stabilize Pakistan’s economy, boost foreign investment, and strengthen global confidence in the country. Growing international interest, they added, shows that Pakistan is “back in business” and moving toward long-term economic resilience.
