US Trade Deal Expected to Bring Major Investments to Pakistan: Field Marshal

Field Marshal Asim Munir says Pakistan’s new US trade deal will attract major investments, strengthen economic cooperation, and boost bilateral relations.

Pakistan’s recent trade agreement with the United States is likely to usher in significant foreign investments, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir told a gathering of overseas Pakistanis during his ongoing visit to the US. This marks his second trip to Washington in less than two months, highlighting a renewed push to strengthen bilateral ties.

Renewed Pakistan-US Engagement

During meetings with senior American military and political leaders, Field Marshal Munir emphasized that his visits aim to place Pakistan-US relations on a “constructive, sustainable, and positive path.” He said the new US trade deal, which reduces American tariffs on Pakistani imports from 29 percent to 19 percent, will boost economic growth and attract large-scale investment. The agreement comes as both nations seek to reset their relationship, which had been strained in recent years over counter-terrorism differences.

Expanding Economic Cooperation

Munir noted that multiple Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the US, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and China are being implemented to promote economic cooperation and investment. He also stressed the importance of Pakistan’s overseas community and its 64 percent youth population, describing them as vital drivers of the country’s future prosperity.

Strategic and Defense Engagements

During his US visit, Munir attended the retirement ceremony of outgoing US CENTCOM Commander General Michael E. Kurilla and witnessed the command handover to Admiral Brad Cooper in Tampa. He praised General Kurilla for strengthening Pakistan-US military cooperation and expressed confidence in continued collaboration under Admiral Cooper. Munir also met US Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine and engaged with defense chiefs from other allied nations on matters of shared security interest.
The army chief’s trip follows his June visit, when President Donald Trump hosted him for a working lunch at the White House. Both sides discussed regional stability, including the recent Iran-Israel conflict, and signaled a commitment to deepening economic and defense ties.