WASHINGTON 

Pakistan is “very close” to finalizing a trade deal with the US, the country’s top diplomat said on Friday, expressing optimism over growing economic ties between the two nations.

“I think we are very close to finalizing [a deal] with the US,” Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said during a conversation at the Atlantic Council in Washington. “Our teams have been here in Washington... a committee has been tasked by the Prime Minister to fine-tune now. It’s not going to be months, not even weeks—just days.”

His remarks came just hours after meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the State Department, where the two discussed bilateral and regional issues, including strengthening bilateral trade and enhancing collaboration in the critical minerals and mining sectors.

Dar said the agreement would include cooperation on trade and minerals, and he invited US entrepreneurs to invest in Pakistan’s vast resources, particularly in mining and offshore gas. He also said institutions like the US Export-Import Bank and the World Bank are ready to support American investors.

“There is great potential,” he added, noting Pakistan’s natural resources are valued at $6–8 trillion.