Pakistan discusses economic stability, climate financing, debt management and foreign investment with international financial institutions during the 2026 Annual Meetings in Bangkok.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a series of high-level meetings with international financial institutions and development partners during the 2026 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Bangkok, Thailand. Discussions focused on Pakistan’s economic stabilization, structural reforms, investment opportunities, climate financing and sustainable debt management.
IMF Reviews Pakistan’s Economic Progress
During a meeting with IMF First Deputy Managing Director Dan Katz, Aurangzeb discussed progress under the IMF-supported programme and Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms. Both sides acknowledged the staff-level agreement and improvements in fiscal performance, foreign exchange reserves, inflation and external sector stability.
The finance minister highlighted improved investor confidence, sovereign credit rating upgrades and renewed access to international capital markets. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fiscal discipline, taxation reforms, privatization and sustainable economic growth. The meeting also covered the effects of Middle East tensions on energy prices and inflation, including targeted assistance for vulnerable households within available fiscal resources.
Pakistan Seeks Greater Climate Financing
At the 17th V20 Ministerial Dialogue, Aurangzeb appreciated support for Pakistan’s Climate Prosperity Plan and efforts to identify commercially viable projects capable of attracting climate investment. He highlighted the importance of green financing, fiscal responsibility and stronger economic safeguards against climate-related and geopolitical shocks, including Pakistan’s inaugural green Panda bond.
He also emphasized that proposed climate financing initiatives must deliver practical results, with clear accountability and effective implementation.
Borrowers’ Platform to Focus on Debt Management
Pakistan accepted the chairmanship of the Governing Council of the Borrowers’ Platform. Aurangzeb said the platform should facilitate technical cooperation, knowledge sharing and improved debt-management practices rather than collective bargaining.
Under the 2026–27 work plan, Pakistan aims to promote policy learning, exchange reform experiences and explore innovative development-financing instruments. The minister stressed that debt should support development instead of becoming an obstacle to economic progress.
Cooperation With ESCAP and International Banks
In a meeting with UN Under-Secretary-General and ESCAP Executive Secretary Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Aurangzeb discussed export-led growth, disaster preparedness, early-warning systems and climate project financing.
Other areas included digital skills, employment, sustainable finance, energy transition and technical assistance for the State Bank of Pakistan. He also met ECO Trade and Development Bank President Mohammad Hashem Botshekan.
Foreign Investment and Financing Options
Aurangzeb briefed international media outlets, including Reuters, Bloomberg and Nikkei Asia, on Pakistan’s economic reforms, privatization plans and efforts to attract foreign investment.
Separately, Finance Secretary Imdad Ullah Bosal and his team met a Citibank delegation to examine local- and foreign-currency financing options, diversify funding sources and identify suitable structures aligned with the government’s debt management strategy.