Islamabad, December 4, 2024 – Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb assured the American Business Council (ABC) of the government’s commitment to addressing issues affecting their operations in Pakistan, reaffirming efforts to bolster foreign investment and economic ties with the United States.
During a meeting with an ABC delegation, led by its President Kamran Ataullah Khan—also the Country Manager and CEO of Dupont—Aurangzeb emphasized the government’s dedication to fostering a business-friendly environment. The delegation included prominent executives such as Tushna Patel, Vice President of ABC and Executive Director of AICT; Syed Khurram Shah, Executive Director at PepsiCo; Adnan Shafi, CEO of PriceOye Technologies; Asif Ahmed, General Manager at IBM; and Brigadier (Retd.) Tariq Saeed, Government Relations Advisor at Cargill.
Aurangzeb commended the Council’s role in strengthening U.S.-Pakistan economic ties and welcomed the delegation’s recommendations. He assured that the government is focused on resolving challenges faced by foreign investors, reaffirming Pakistan’s aim to become a hub for international trade and exports.
The Finance Minister outlined the government’s structural reform agenda, which includes broadening the tax base, curbing economic leakages, and overhauling the tax authority to ensure fairness and efficiency. He emphasized the government’s policy of granting no exemptions to any sector, asserting that these reforms were already steering the country toward greater economic stability.
The ABC delegation highlighted the challenges confronting the business community, including policy and regulatory hurdles, while identifying growth opportunities in sectors such as technology, agriculture, and consumer goods. They stressed the need for government intervention to create a conducive environment for foreign investment.
Aurangzeb reassured the delegation of the government’s determination to enhance the ease of doing business and promote sustainable economic growth. He also acknowledged the contributions of ABC member companies to Pakistan’s economy, underscoring the importance of strengthening partnerships to foster innovation and economic development.
The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to strengthening U.S.-Pakistan economic collaboration, with the Finance Minister affirming his resolve to address investor concerns and make Pakistan a more attractive destination for global businesses.