Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb engaged in strategic discussions with US State Department officials, Donald Lu and Elizabeth Horst, in Washington, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to strengthening ties between Pakistan and the United States.
Currently attending the spring meetings organised by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB), Aurangzeb emphasised Pakistan’s pursuit of a new multi-billion dollar loan agreement with the IMF to support its economic reform programme. He indicated that Pakistan intended to request a three-year programme to bolster its economic resilience.
During the meeting at the World Bank headquarters, discussions center on enhancing economic partnerships between the two nations. Priority sectors identified for collaboration include alternate energy, agriculture, climate resilience, and the technology industry. Aurangzeb outlined Pakistan’s reform agenda, highlighting efforts to broaden the tax base, streamline the energy sector, and advance privatisation initiatives.
The finance ministry underscored Pakistan’s commitment to fostering collaboration with the US International Development Finance Corporation and Exim Bank for mutual development goals.
In addition to his discussions with US officials, Aurangzeb met with the WB-IMF Pakistan Staff Association to provide insights into Pakistan’s reform agenda. The focus remains on expanding the tax base, implementing energy sector reforms, digitalising processes, promoting public-private partnerships, and maintaining fiscal discipline to revive Pakistan’s economy and drive sustainable growth.