ISLAMABAD: A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held talks with US Commerce Secretary Howard A. Lutnick in Washington, focusing on strengthening bilateral trade and investment ties.
According to an official statement issued on Saturday, the delegation included Pakistan’s Secretary of Commerce and Ambassador to the United States, along with senior trade and economic officials.Both sides expressed their desire to enhance economic cooperation, particularly in trade and investment.
Discussions also covered potential US investment in Pakistan’s information and communication technology (ICT), mining, minerals and energy sectors.Aurangzeb appreciated the role of the US Chamber of Commerce in organising the US-Pakistan Trade and Investment Forum scheduled for March 31, 2026. The forum is expected to be attended by leading companies from both countries, alongside ministerial representation from Pakistan and the United States. The finance minister expressed hope that the office of the US Commerce Secretary would also participate in the event.
The two sides reiterated their commitment to continue engagement on investments in major projects in the coming months.
Earlier, Aurangzeb had announced plans to visit the United States to advance economic engagement as Pakistan reviews its trade strategy following recent agreements between Washington and New Delhi, as well as a separate understanding between the US and Bangladesh, developments that have unsettled sections of local industry.
Separately, Pakistan recently reached an agreement with the US government to jointly redevelop the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. The property, owned by Pakistan’s national airline, is considered a key overseas asset. The redevelopment aligns with Pakistan’s $7 billion programme agreed with the International Monetary Fund, under which restructuring and privatisation of state assets remain central components.
The century-old Midtown Manhattan hotel, closed since 2020, is estimated by Pakistani authorities to be worth over $1 billion. Rather than an outright sale, the government is pursuing redevelopment.
Both countries have signed a memorandum outlining cooperation on the operation, maintenance, renovation and redevelopment of the property.
