U.S.-Pakistan Bilateral Investment Treaty Negotiations

Released by U.S. Embassy Islamabad

As part of the broadened and strengthened bilateral economic relationship, representatives of the United States and Pakistan met May 10-12 in Islamabad for the second negotiating session for a Bilateral Investment Treaty. Officials from the Department of State and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative led the U.S. delegation, which also included the Department of Commerce, Department of the Treasury and U.S. Embassy in Islamabad. The Secretary of the Pakistani Board of Investment headed the Pakistani delegation, including representatives of. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industries and Production, Ministry of Commerce, Central Board of Revenue and State Bank of Pakistan.

The delegations discussed in depth key elements of the agreement, including the investments to be covered, the commitments to be undertaken by both sides, and dispute settlement procedures. The two delegations continued to make progress in expanding those areas where they share a common view. The negotiating teams agreed to maintain continuing communications to work on outstanding issues and to meet for another round of negotiations in Washington this summer.