Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to undertake an official visit to the United States next month, where he is expected to meet US President Donald Trump.
According to sources, during the trip the prime minister will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Before arriving in the US, he will also visit the United Kingdom. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will accompany him and is also expected to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Meanwhile, preparations are underway in Islamabad for Secretary Rubio’s planned visit to Pakistan in October, which officials describe as an important step in bilateral relations.
In a related development, Washington’s recent decision to reduce tariffs on Pakistani exports has been hailed as a joint success of both administrations.
The US has imposed a 19 percent tariff on Pakistani exports, which is 10 percent lower than the previously proposed rate. In comparison, tariffs of 25 percent have been imposed on Indian exports and 20 percent on Bangladeshi exports.
The Finance Ministry expressed optimism that the tariff reduction will open new opportunities for Pakistani products in the US market.
The officials said the move will particularly boost Pakistan’s textile sector, which forms the backbone of the country’s exports.
