Pakistan seeks stronger trading partnership with UK after Brexit

3 April 2018

The UK has become one of the biggest markets for products made in Pakistan with annual trade soaring to  £1.7bn and the promise of closer collaboration after Brexit.

Pakistan, which has a population of 207m, is known for its manufacture of high-quality textiles, leathers, sports goods, cutlery, surgical products and agricultural and food items, sourced by top UK brands including John Lewis, Debenhams, Next and Marks & Spencer.

A strong approach to corporate law, including the protection of intellectual property rights and removal of restrictions on foreign investment, is also attracting overseas investors to Pakistan and the country is home to over 1,000 international brands with more than 100 from UK.

Pakistan also says that its trade agreements with neighbours, including China, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and other Asia Pacific and Middle East countries, are making it an attracting investment destination for businesses seeking preferential access to these emerging markets.

International trade and investment in Pakistan is also being boosted by the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is expected to trigger growth in the whole region.

Pakistan’s Economic & Trade Wing, set up in Manchester in 2007 to represent the Pakistan government, aims to boost bilateral trade with the UK, particularly northern cities.

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