Islamabad, In a recent meeting with Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome commended the Pakistani government’s initiatives aimed at improving the country’s macroeconomic indicators. The discussion highlighted ongoing reforms in various sectors, including privatization and taxation, designed to stabilize and grow the economy.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, during the meeting held in Islamabad, Finance Minister Aurangzeb briefed Ambassador Blome on the successful completion of the Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund and the ongoing engagement to build on reforms initiated under this arrangement. Aurangzeb emphasized reforms in key areas such as increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio through comprehensive digitization, expanding the tax base to include under-taxed sectors, and implementing tax administrative reforms.
The finance minister also discussed the government’s commitment to privatizing State-Owned Enterprises, highlighting the prime minister’s dedication to this effort which has already attracted interest from both local and international investors, particularly concerning Pakistan International Airlines. Furthermore, Aurangzeb detailed initiatives to bring private sector expertise to enhance efficiency in the energy sector and mentioned potential investments from foreign entities in agriculture, mining, and information technology.
Ambassador Blome expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s efforts to improve economic stability and assured continued U.S. support in helping Pakistan achieve sustainable economic growth.