LAHORE: The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has termed finalisation of trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States a ‘game changer’ for the country’s economic future.

“We welcome the trade agreement and see it as a game changer for our country’s economy,” a statement issued by the LCCI office-bearers, led by President Mian Abuzar Shad, said on Thursday.

“We hope that this agreement will open new avenues for Pakistani exports and significantly strengthen bilateral trade relations,” it added.

The office-bearers said this development is not only timely but also a clear indicator of growing international confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential. They were of the view that the United States has historically remained Pakistan’s largest export destination and the new trade agreement is expected to provide preferential access to a wide array of Pakistani goods including textiles, leather products, surgical instruments, IT services, sports goods and agricultural commodities.

This breakthrough will not only enhance Pakistan’s export volume but also improve its trade balance and generate employment.

They also pointed out the strategic advantage Pakistan now holds due to the imposition of a 25 per cent tariff on Indian products by the US government. This shift provides Pakistani exporters with a rare opportunity to capture additional market share in the US market, especially in sectors where Pakistani goods already enjoy a competitive edge.

Terming the development a direct outcome of strengthened diplomatic and military ties, the LCCI leaders said the recent high-level engagement between the two countries, particularly the lunch hosted by US President Donald Trump in honour of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir has played a pivotal role in resetting the tone of bilateral cooperation while the untiring efforts by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb under the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif have made this agreement finalised.

Published in Dawn, Aug 1st, 2025