ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and the United States have agreed to strengthen their trade and economic partnership, reaffirming growing momentum in bilateral relations.
The understanding was reached during a meeting between US Chargé d’Affaires Elizabeth Horst and Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on Monday, state media reported.
The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange views on issues of mutual interest and to reaffirm the positive momentum in Pakistan–United States bilateral relations.
The Finance Minister expressed gratitude for the United States’ longstanding support for Pakistan’s economic development.
He specifically acknowledged Washington’s continued backing for the macroeconomic stability achieved over the past 18 months and welcomed the growing momentum in bilateral cooperation across multiple sectors.
Recalling his recent visit to the United States, the Minister shared insights from his productive meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer in Washington, D.C.
He said there is encouraging progress in deepening trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Muhammad Aurangzeb noted that the United States is the largest trading partner of Pakistan and highlighted Pakistan’s keen interest in broadening bilateral cooperation beyond traditional sectors.
He specifically maintained the promising potential in information technology, minerals, and agriculture as avenues for mutually beneficial collaboration.
The Minister also briefed Ms. Elizabeth Horst on Pakistan’s recent macroeconomic performance, highlighting sovereign credit rating upgrades and renewed investor confidence.
He outlined the government’s reform agenda, which prioritises key sectors such as taxation and energy, with the goal of fostering sustainable, long-term economic growth.
He further shared updates on Pakistan’s successful entry into Middle Eastern capital markets, upcoming plans to issue its inaugural Panda bond, and future efforts to access Euro and US dollar bond markets.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to build on the current momentum and further strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has lauded the positive role and contribution of Dutch companies in advancing Pakistan’s socio-economic development.
He was speaking to Netherlands Ambassador Henny de Vries, who paid a farewell call on him in Islamabad on Monday. During the meeting, both sides discussed matters of mutual interest.
The Finance Minister briefed the Ambassador on recent economic developments in Pakistan, including improvements in sovereign credit ratings, a strengthened security environment, and enhanced investor confidence, all supported by stability across key sectors.
In her remarks, the Dutch Ambassador expressed appreciation for the progress made in achieving macroeconomic stability and welcomed the country’s current direction.
