ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Yingming Yang held discussions on enhancing cooperation in various economic sectors, focusing on structural reforms, investment, and SME financing.

According to Ministry of Finance, the ADB Vice President commended Pakistan’s progress in macroeconomic stability and improvements in fiscal management, highlighting upgrades in the country’s sovereign credit ratings. The Finance Minister expressed appreciation for ADB’s ongoing support and emphasized the government’s shift towards sustainable growth through investment, exports, and private-sector involvement.

The conversation also focused on expanding financial access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to boost employment and exports, as well as integrating SMEs into global value chains. The Finance Minister underscored the need for innovative financing structures and increased participation from international institutions in areas such as infrastructure, clean energy, and climate resilience.

Mr. Yang reiterated ADB’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s development priorities and aligning with the government’s reform agenda. The meeting included discussions on fiscal prudence, pension reforms, and institutional strengthening, with both sides valuing ADB’s technical support. The Finance Minister stressed the importance of aligning ADB’s future support with the government’s priorities of private-sector-led growth and export competitiveness.