Bangkok: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb engaged with international stakeholders during the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok, discussing Pakistan’s economic progress, structural reforms, and strategies for investment and energy security. The minister promoted a vision for sustainable growth and international cooperation, addressing concerns around global energy prices and regional challenges.
According to Press Information Department, the Finance Minister participated in discussions at the Citi Macro Forum Session, where he presented Pakistan’s economic outlook, emphasizing macroeconomic stabilization and fiscal achievements like three consecutive years of primary surpluses and a 22-year low fiscal deficit. The Finance Minister also discussed Pakistan’s capital market strategy, highlighting plans for diversifying funding sources through Panda bonds, Sukuk, and an international bond. He underscored the importance of sustaining reforms, enhancing fiscal discipline, and ensuring energy security amid geopolitical tensions.
At the Standard Chartered Bank’s Sovereign Investor Roundtable, the minister emphasized Pakistan’s progress in sovereign credit ratings and reiterated the need for structural reforms and investment-led growth. He focused on financing diversification and reducing rollover risks, while discussions also covered climate financing and economic resilience.
In meetings with S&P Global Ratings and the U.S. State Department, the Finance Minister highlighted Pakistan’s fiscal achievements and outlined strategies for bilateral economic cooperation, including energy diversification and trade frameworks. He further discussed investment opportunities and the importance of maintaining fiscal discipline and structural reforms for sustainable growth.
During a meeting with the IMF Managing Director, the Finance Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to economic reforms and regional cooperation. He highlighted fiscal achievements, foreign reserve strength, and the need for diversified energy sources.
In engagements with MIGA and AIIB, discussions centered on financing support, infrastructure development, and economic resilience. The minister emphasized the importance of financing terms reflecting Pakistan’s improved ratings and explored opportunities for co-financing infrastructure projects.
The Finance Minister’s interactions with international media underscored the government’s measures to provide targeted relief amidst rising global oil prices, while promoting investment opportunities and economic stability in Pakistan.