Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to encouraging foreign investment and maintaining close engagement with the US business community, including the US Chamber of Commerce and the American Business Council.
According to an official statement, US Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs John Mark Pommersheim met Aurangzeb at the Finance Division, accompanied by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker.
The finance minister welcomed the delegation and appreciated continued US engagement in Pakistan’s economic development, particularly cooperation through multilateral financial institutions. Both sides discussed Pakistan’s economic outlook, ongoing reforms, and ways to deepen bilateral economic ties.
Aurangzeb briefed the delegation on progress made in macroeconomic stabilization, emphasizing a shift toward sustainable, export-led growth. He said the fiscal deficit has narrowed, the current account has improved due to strong remittances and growth in IT exports, and credit ratings have shown positive trends.
Also Read: Why Are Parents Choosing Safer, Quieter Communities for Raising Children in Pakistan?
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, external stability, and structural reforms to support long-term growth. Efforts to reform state-owned enterprises and right-size the public sector are being accelerated to improve efficiency and reduce fiscal risks, he added.
The minister also highlighted improving investor sentiment, pointing to recent local investment initiatives and increased private sector participation in key sectors.
Pommersheim acknowledged Pakistan’s stabilization efforts and welcomed improvements in major economic indicators. He said the United States supports a stable and prosperous Pakistan and noted that policy consistency and reform implementation remain important for US investors.
Aurangzeb further briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s plans to re-enter international capital markets, including a potential Panda Bond issuance aimed at diversifying financing sources.
On privatization, he said the government is advancing transactions in the banking and power distribution sectors, along with outsourcing major airports, starting with Islamabad.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to continue close coordination to strengthen economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States.
