Islamabad: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, addressed the “Fireside Chat: Pakistan: External Shocks Remain Manageable” at the J.P. Morgan Emerging and Frontier Markets Opportunities Conference in London, emphasizing the country’s shift from stabilization to long-term investment and growth. The Finance Minister highlighted Pakistan’s progress in achieving macroeconomic stability and outlined the government’s priorities for sustainable economic development through investment, exports, and private sector-led growth.

According to Press Information Department, the conference attracted significant interest in Pakistan from global institutional investors, with 55 investment funds engaging in discussions on Pakistan’s economic trajectory and investment opportunities. The Finance Minister identified six key priorities for the government’s economic strategy, including enhancing fiscal stability, transitioning from aid to trade, and advancing digital technology. He reported progress in fiscal consolidation, with GDP growth reaching 3.7 percent and the fiscal deficit reduced to 2.6 percent of GDP.

Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Jameel Ahmad, noted improvements in Pakistan’s external position, including foreign exchange reserves and remittance flows. The Finance Minister emphasized the government’s focus on investment-driven growth, highlighting reforms in sovereign debt management, international capital market access, and capital formation. He outlined initiatives to foster private capital, privatization, and sector reforms aimed at shifting the economy towards exports and technology.

Senator Aurangzeb underscored Pakistan’s strategic location and young workforce as key assets, while emphasizing the transition from aid reliance to robust trade and investment partnerships. He reiterated the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline and reform, positioning Pakistan for participation in emerging global economic trends.