Washington: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, on the third day of his visit to Washington, D.C., engaged in several high-level meetings aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and furthering Pakistan’s economic reform agenda. His engagements focused on international partnerships, economic reforms, and climate action.
Minister Aurangzeb met with Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an, expressing gratitude for China’s support and updating on Pakistan’s reforms in taxation, energy, and privatization. He requested assistance from the People’s Bank of China for the Panda bond process and invited Minister Fo’an to Pakistan.
In a subsequent meeting with Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Aljadaan, Aurangzeb thanked Saudi Arabia for its economic support and welcomed further investments. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to reforms and extended an invitation to Aljadaan to visit.
The Finance Minister also discussed financial inclusion initiatives with Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, focusing on women’s education and entrepreneurship. He emphasized the importance of data sharing to enhance financial inclusion.
Meeting with Türkiye’s Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek, Aurangzeb highlighted the potential for increased trade and investment, particularly in the dairy and livestock sectors. He encouraged Turkish investors to explore opportunities in Pakistan.
During discussions with UAE’s Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohamed Bin Hadi Alm Hussaini, Aurangzeb briefed on Pakistan’s economic indicators and sought to advance investment agreements. He expressed interest in UAE’s cryptocurrency regulations.
Aurangzeb participated in the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action meeting, outlining Pakistan’s Climate Prosperity Plan. He stressed integrating climate considerations into economic policies and acknowledged capacity-building challenges.
At the MENAP Ministers/Governors Meeting with IMF’s Kristalina Georgieva, Aurangzeb emphasized the need for structural reforms and regional trade amidst global uncertainty. He highlighted sectors like agriculture and IT as growth drivers.
In a meeting with Gargee Ghosh of the Gates Foundation, Aurangzeb appreciated the Foundation’s role in health initiatives and discussed digitizing Pakistan’s tax system. He invited the Foundation to an event for Pakistan’s hepatitis C program.
Earlier, in a fireside chat with the Center for Global Development, Aurangzeb reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to reforms and sustainable growth. The day concluded with a meeting with AIIB President Jin Liqun, where Aurangzeb discussed ongoing projects and the Panda Bond issuance.
He also met with S and P Global, briefing them on Pakistan’s economic outlook and hoping for a credit rating upgrade following Fitch’s recent positive assessment.