Pakistan’s finance minister discusses economic reforms, export growth, climate financing, infrastructure projects and digital trade during the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings.
Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has held a series of meetings with international investors, financial institutions and development partners in Bangkok to discuss the country’s economic outlook, structural reforms and opportunities for greater international cooperation.
The engagements took place alongside the IMF–World Bank Annual Meetings, where the minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to maintain economic stability, strengthen foreign exchange reserves and promote sustainable, export-oriented growth.
Pakistan Highlights Economic Progress
Addressing a JP Morgan investment seminar, Aurangzeb outlined improvements in revenue collection, fiscal management and primary budget surpluses. He also pointed to strong remittances, a contained current account deficit and improved foreign exchange reserves.
The minister said Pakistan was exploring longer-term financing options to replace expensive borrowing without increasing its external debt stock. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the IMF programme, prudent monetary policies and targeted assistance for vulnerable households.
In discussions with Moody’s and Bank of America representatives, Aurangzeb reviewed Pakistan’s sovereign credit outlook, access to international capital markets and plans to expand the tax base, advance privatisation and improve export competitiveness.
Development Financing and Infrastructure Projects
During a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, the minister discussed debt sustainability, climate resilience and funding for Sustainable Development Goals. He stressed the need for accessible climate financing, local-currency funding and stronger support for developing economies.
Talks with OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa focused on infrastructure financing, including the M-6 motorway, railway modernisation under ML-1 and power transmission projects. Both sides discussed pending agreements, future financing tranches and the importance of timely project implementation.
Aurangzeb also met International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation CEO Adeeb Y. Al Aama to explore adjustments to financing terms and volumes in line with changing market conditions. Discussions included digital product passports for textile exports to the European Union and improved trade connectivity with ASEAN markets.
Digital Trade and Overseas Pakistanis
In talks with Alibaba International Digital Commerce, the minister reviewed cooperation on digital payments, e-commerce taxation, cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence. The discussions also covered Pakistan Single Window integration, cross-border payment tracking, modernising Pakistan Post and expanding agricultural exports to China.
A separate meeting with International Organization for Migration Deputy Director-General SungAh Lee focused on climate-related migration, disaster preparedness, international skills development and safe migration channels. The minister highlighted overseas Pakistanis’ contributions through remittances and opportunities to direct these funds towards productive investment.
Pakistan and Thailand Explore Stronger Ties
In a bilateral meeting with Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Aurangzeb discussed expanding bilateral trade, promoting tourism, strengthening cultural exchanges and resuming high-level diplomatic engagements.
The meetings reflected Pakistan’s efforts to attract investment, improve access to development financing and expand international trade partnerships while pursuing longer-term economic reforms.