Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is set to visit Washington on Saturday for a three-day trip focused on advancing trade, investment and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, diplomatic sources have said.
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During the visit, Aurangzeb is expected to hold meetings with officials from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), the US Export-Import Bank (Exim Bank), the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The primary objective of the visit is to continue negotiations on a potential bilateral trade agreement aimed at expanding trade and investment ties. Discussions are expected to cover tariffs, market access, investment opportunities and broader economic cooperation between the two countries.
Talks with the Exim Bank and the DFC will also explore financing options for infrastructure, energy and private-sector development projects in Pakistan.
The visit comes as both countries continue negotiations over tariffs imposed on Pakistani exports. Last week, Pakistani and US officials held discussions in Washington as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic relations.
The tariff issue dates back to April 2025, when the Trump administration introduced a 29 per cent tariff on Pakistani exports under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Following negotiations, Pakistan secured a reduction in the proposed tariff to 19 per cent.
The trade environment shifted again after the US Supreme Court invalidated the IEEPA-based tariffs. The administration subsequently introduced a temporary 10 per cent global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act, which is due to expire on July 24.
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Pakistan is also responding to a separate USTR investigation under Section 301 regarding alleged forced labour practices and has submitted additional documentation ahead of the latest talks.
Aurangzeb’s visit is expected to reinforce Pakistan’s economic diplomacy as the government seeks greater foreign investment, expanded market access and stronger financial cooperation with the United States.