Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb recently engaged in discussions with US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lowe and US State Department Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst at the World Bank headquarters.
During the meeting, Aurangzeb provided the US officials with insights into Pakistan’s reform agenda and reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to enhancing Pakistan-US relations. Topics such as alternative energy, agriculture, climate, and technology industry were also on the agenda.
Aurangzeb stressed the importance of broadening the tax base, streamlining and privatizing the energy sector, and upgrading the economic partnership between Pakistan and the US.
Furthermore, investment opportunities in sectors like information technology and agriculture were explored, and collaborative efforts with the US International Development Finance Corporation and EXIM Bank were discussed. Aurangzeb also sought cooperation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a new loan program.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb also held discussions with officials from the American foreign department.
Assistant Secretary Donald Lu and Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Elizabeth Horst were among those present at the meeting.
During the discussion, opportunities for American investment were highlighted in various sectors including information technology, advanced resources, agriculture, and others.
Both countries affirmed their commitment to close coordination with the banking sector and the American International Development Finance Corporation for mutual progress.
Additionally, Aurangzeb met with the Pakistan Staff Association of the World Bank and IMF, where he outlined the government’s reform agenda, which includes broadening the tax base, energy sector reforms, privatization, digitization, and public-private partnerships. He stressed the importance of financial discipline for economic recovery and sustainability.
