Wednesday, 23 April 2025, 03:07:55 pm


 
Finance Minster expresses Pakistan's desire for improved trade relations with US
April 23, 2025

File photo

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed Pakistan's desire for improved trade relations with the United States.

Participating in a fireside chat at the Atlantic Council’s Geo Economics Center in Washington D.C, he emphasized plans for constructive engagement with the U.S. to address trade imbalances, with a high-level delegation expected to visit soon.

In a meeting with institutional investors, the Finance Minister provided updates on Pakistan’s economic outlook, fiscal and monetary developments and reform progress.

The Finance Minister also met with the World Bank’s Vice President for South Asia, Martin Raiser, where he expressed gratitude for the approval of the ten year Country Partnership Framework.

During a meeting with a Deutsche Bank team Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed Pakistan’s interest in returning to financial markets, including the issuance of Panda and ESG bonds, based on the country’s improved macroeconomic stability and credit ratings.

Separately, during talks with Moody’s commercial team, the finance minister briefed them on Pakistan’s fiscal and current account surpluses, declining inflation, stable exchange rates, and foreign reserves. Discussions also covered the Panda Bond initiative, with both sides agreeing to explore future collaboration.

In an important and productive meeting with CEO of Saudi Fund for Development Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Murshid, the Finance Minister expressed appreciation for the G2G and B2B interest in investment projects in Pakistan.

He requested the expedited disbursement of funds under the Saudi Oil Facility, assuring prompt submission of oil shipment documentation.

Both sides reviewed the existing portfolio, expressing satisfaction over the progress, with the finance minister seeking financial support for the N-25 project.