ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed optimism that the recent trade agreement between Pakistan and the United States will mark the beginning of a new era of economic cooperation, particularly in key sectors such as energy, mining and minerals, information technology, and cryptocurrency.
He made the remarks during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, who called on him in Islamabad on Friday.
According to press release issued by finance ministry, Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan’s economy had “turned a corner,” noting that the recent upgrade by Moody’s—aligning all three major international rating agencies in their assessment of Pakistan’s economic performance—was clear evidence that the hard and necessary reforms undertaken by the government were yielding positive results.
The Finance Minister expressed gratitude to the United States for its ongoing economic and development support to Pakistan. He also recalled his recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he held productive meetings with US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer to finalise the trade agreement between the two nations.
The Minister highlighted that this agreement marks the beginning of a new era in economic collaboration, particularly in key sectors such as energy, mining and minerals, information technology, cryptocurrency, and others.
Speaking on the occasion, US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker described the trade agreement as a significant opportunity to boost bilateral trade. She noted the growing interest of US companies in exploring investment and entrepreneurial opportunities in Pakistan, especially in sectors like supply chains, production, project management, energy, critical minerals, mining, and oil exploration.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to working closely together to advance these initiatives, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes and further strengthening trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.
