Washington: Pakistan’s Minister for Finance, Muhammad Aurangzeb, engaged in a series of high-level meetings with key financial officials from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and China, alongside discussions with the Gates Foundation’s Global Policy and Advocacy President. The meetings took place in Washington, D.C., on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring meetings, as reported by Radio Pakistan.

In his discussion with the UAE’s Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Aurangzeb detailed Pakistan’s recent economic developments, including an upgrade in the sovereign rating by Fitch. He also highlighted the government’s privatization plans and expressed appreciation for the UAE investors’ interest in exploring opportunities in Pakistan. The importance of transforming memorandums of understanding into actionable agreements was emphasized.

During his meeting with the Saudi Minister of Finance, Mohammed Aljadaan, Aurangzeb welcomed investments from Saudi Arabia and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to financial reforms. The dialogue underscored mutual interests and potential avenues for economic collaboration.

A productive conversation with China’s Finance Minister, Lan Fo’an, centered on the status of the Panda Bond. Aurangzeb sought Chinese assistance in accelerating the bond issuance process, reflecting ongoing financial cooperation between the two nations.

Additionally, Aurangzeb met with Gargee Gosh, President of Global Policy and Advocacy at the Gates Foundation. The Finance Minister acknowledged the foundation’s sustained support for Pakistan’s initiatives in polio eradication, maternal and child health, and nutrition, highlighting the significance of these efforts for the nation’s public health landscape.