Islamabad, August 27, 2025 – Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Wednesday met with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda, reaffirming Pakistan’s strong partnership with the Bank to advance economic reforms, climate resilience, and sustainable development initiatives.
Welcoming the ADB President, Aurangzeb expressed deep gratitude for the institution’s unwavering support and long-standing collaboration with Pakistan, particularly during challenging economic phases and post-disaster recovery efforts. He highlighted the government’s determination to build a resilient economy capable of withstanding external shocks and natural calamities, including the devastating floods of recent years.
The finance minister commended President Kanda for selecting Pakistan as the first country to visit following his assumption of office, terming it a sign of ADB’s confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential. Recalling his earlier discussions with the President in Washington in April, Aurangzeb emphasized the continuity of dialogue and shared commitment to Pakistan’s reform agenda.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from Pakistan’s Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Federal Board of Revenue, and ADB’s senior management team, including Country Director Ms. Emma Fan, Director General Leah Gutierrez, and Pakistan’s Executive Director Noor Ahmed.
Aurangzeb noted Pakistan’s macroeconomic stabilization, including falling inflation, a current account turnaround, and upgrades in sovereign credit ratings that have lowered borrowing costs. He acknowledged ADB’s pivotal role in supporting key reforms in resource mobilization, women’s financial inclusion, clean energy transition, and disaster risk financing.
Looking ahead, the minister outlined priority areas for deeper collaboration: energy transition, human capital development, logistics and connectivity, private sector participation, and innovative financing tools such as Green Bonds and Debt-for-Nature swaps. He stressed that ADB’s support would remain vital in strengthening public-private partnerships and enhancing policy-based financing frameworks.
President Masato Kanda praised Pakistan’s economic resilience and reform progress, pledging ADB’s continued backing in climate adaptation, infrastructure upgrades, and population management. He further welcomed Pakistan’s plans for market diversification and expressed readiness to assist with the launch of Panda Bonds and other innovative financing instruments.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to a long-term development partnership under the forthcoming ADB Country Partnership Strategy 2026–2035, designed to align with Pakistan’s medium-term economic and social development goals.