ISLAMABAD: A high-level delegation from Acumen, a global non-profit impact investment fund, met with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday to discuss investment opportunities, climate resilience, and Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms.
The visit was part of Acumen’s broader engagement in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi, aimed at exploring new investment opportunities amid Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic environment.
The delegation also reviewed progress on Acumen’s $90 million Agriculture Resilience Fund for Pakistan, a blended finance initiative designed for strengthening climate adaptation and sustainable agriculture, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance.
Acumen supports businesses addressing poverty and climate challenges. The delegation, led by Acumen’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Jacqueline Novogratz, also discussed Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms.
Poul Carsten Stendevad, President and Chief Investment Officer, Ayesha Khan, Chief Executive Officer of Acumen Pakistan, and members of Acumen’s Global Board and international investors were also part of the delegation.
Welcoming the delegation, the Finance Minister has appreciated Acumen’s continued engagement and focus on agriculture and climate resilience in Pakistan. He briefed the visitors on Pakistan’s macroeconomic stabilisation, structural reforms in taxation and energy, and efforts to improve the investment environment.
Pakistan’s tax-to-GDP ratio is projected to reach 11 per cent by the end of the fiscal year, supported by AI-led technology, data analytics, and digital integration to broaden the tax base.
Highlighting key reform initiatives, the Minister updated the delegation on State-Owned Enterprises’ (SOE) restructuring, including the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in its final stage, the outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport, and the planned divestiture of several power distribution companies.
According to the Minister, the government is committed to enabling the private sector to drive economic growth through a more supportive and transparent policy ecosystem.
Senator Aurangzeb also outlined Pakistan’s plans to issue its inaugural Panda Bond before the end of 2025, along with future issuances in USD, Euro, and Islamic Sukuk markets.
He elaborated on the government’s digital transformation drive, noting that all government payments are set to be fully digitised by the close of the fiscal year.
Discussing Pakistan’s two existential challenges—climate change and population growth—the Minister underlined the importance of decarbonization, child nutrition, girls’ education, and learning poverty reduction. He said these priorities are being pursued through Pakistan’s Country Partnership Framework with the World Bank.
The Minister further mentioned the clearance of the backlog of repatriated foreign profits and dividends, citing the recent $500 million Eurobond repayment as evidence of improving macroeconomic stability.
Acumen reaffirmed its long-term commitment to investing in the country’s agricultural and climate resilience sectors.
The fun’s CEO said she has been visiting Pakistan since 2002 and described the country’s young entrepreneurs as “dynamic and full of potential.”
She emphasised that enhancing access to finance for emerging entrepreneurs could help transform their innovative ideas into scalable ventures with lasting social impact.
