Summary
- BRADFORD: Pakistan and the UK have significant opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment, particularly in textiles, fintech, advanced manufacturing and sustainable production, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Tipu Usman, has said.
- Addressing the West Yorkshire–Pakistan Trade, Investment and Innovation Summit 2026 at the University of Bradford, the High Commissioner called for stronger business partnerships, joint ventures and greater collaboration between the two countries.
- Organised by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and British Friends of Pakistan, in partnership with the University of Bradford and the Textile Centre of Excellence, the summit brought together business leaders, investors, policymakers and academics to explore new opportunities for cooperation.
BRADFORD: Pakistan and the UK have significant opportunities to expand bilateral trade and investment, particularly in textiles, fintech, advanced manufacturing and sustainable production, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK, Tipu Usman, has said.
Addressing the West Yorkshire–Pakistan Trade, Investment and Innovation Summit 2026 at the University of Bradford, the High Commissioner called for stronger business partnerships, joint ventures and greater collaboration between the two countries.
Organised by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and British Friends of Pakistan, in partnership with the University of Bradford and the Textile Centre of Excellence, the summit brought together business leaders, investors, policymakers and academics to explore new opportunities for cooperation.
On his first visit to Bradford, Tipu Usman praised the city’s Pakistani community and its contribution to British society. He also acknowledged the welcome and opportunities extended to early Pakistani migrants by local communities from the 1960s onwards.
Highlighting Pakistan’s economic progress, he pointed to improving macroeconomic stability, ongoing reforms and growing international confidence in the country’s economic direction. He also underlined Pakistan’s constructive role in promoting regional peace and security.
Textiles were identified as a key area for expanding UK exports and industrial cooperation. The High Commissioner encouraged partnerships with the Textile Centre of Excellence in innovative fibres, yarns and sustainable products, alongside joint manufacturing ventures combining British technology and expertise with Pakistan’s industrial capabilities.
He thanked the University of Bradford’s leadership for supporting innovation, economic growth and skills development.
The Mayor of West Yorkshire highlighted the longstanding people-to-people links between the region and Pakistan, describing these ties as a strong foundation for future partnerships.
With around 250,000 people of Pakistani heritage living in West Yorkshire and annual bilateral trade reaching up to £6 billion, the summit highlighted significant potential for further cooperation in textiles, halal food, advanced materials, fintech, skills and innovation.
The event concluded with a renewed focus on turning longstanding links into practical trade and investment opportunities.
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