WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has underscored the country’s interest in deepening trade relations with the United States.
Speaking at a fireside chat hosted by the Atlantic Council’s GeoEconomics Center in Washington, D.C., the Finance Minister outlined plans for constructive engagement aimed at addressing trade imbalances, with a high-level delegation set to visit the US in the near future.
The Finance Minister, during a meeting with institutional investors, provided updates on Pakistan’s economic outlook, fiscal and monetary developments, and reform progress.
Muhammad Aurangzeb also held talks with the World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, where he expressed gratitude for the approval of the ten-year Country Partnership Framework.
In a meeting with a delegation from Deutsche Bank, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb conveyed Pakistan’s interest in re-entering international financial markets, highlighting plans to issue Panda and ESG bonds.
This move is supported by the country’s improved macroeconomic stability and upgraded credit ratings.
Separately, in discussions with Moody’s commercial team, the minister outlined Pakistan’s recent economic achievements, including fiscal and current account surpluses, declining inflation, a stable exchange rate, and strengthened foreign reserves.
The talks also touched on the Panda Bond initiative, with both sides expressing a willingness to explore potential collaboration going forward.
Meanwhile, in a meeting with CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, the Finance Minister expressed appreciation for the G2G and B2B interest in investment projects in Pakistan.
He requested the expedited disbursement of funds under the Saudi Oil Facility, assuring quick submission of oil shipment documentation.
Both sides also reviewed the existing portfolio and expressed satisfaction over the progress, with the finance minister seeking financial support for the N-25 project.
Finance Minister has reaffirmed he government’s commitment to sustaining economic reforms under the guidance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), aimed at fostering long-term development and stability.
The Finance Minister gave the assurance during his meeting with the IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva in Washington on Tuesday.
