Washington: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb engaged in a series of high-level meetings with finance ministers from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and China, alongside discussions with the Gates Foundation, during the IMF-World Bank Spring meetings. These discussions, held in Washington, D.C., focused on strengthening economic ties, investment opportunities, and advancing health initiatives.

In talks with the UAE’s Minister of State for Financial Affairs, Mohamed Bin Hadi Al Hussaini, Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s recent economic progress, including a sovereign rating upgrade by Fitch. He also discussed the government’s privatization plans and emphasized the need to convert existing MoUs into formal agreements to solidify UAE investment interests.

The Finance Minister also met with Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister, Mohammed Aljadaan. Aurangzeb expressed appreciation for Saudi investments in Pakistan and reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining its reform agenda to enhance economic stability.

Further, Aurangzeb’s meeting with China’s Finance Minister, Lan Fo’an, focused on financial cooperation. He updated the Chinese minister on the Panda Bond initiative, seeking support to expedite the issuance process, which is crucial for Pakistan’s economic strategy.

Aurangzeb also conferred with Gargee Gosh, President of Global Policy and Advocacy at the Gates Foundation. The discussions underscored the Gates Foundation’s ongoing support for Pakistan, particularly in polio eradication and improvements in maternal and child health and nutrition.

These meetings underscore Pakistan’s efforts to bolster international partnerships and attract investments to sustain its economic growth and development goals.