ISLAMABAD, AUG 10 /DNA/ – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, today met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan, H.E. Ms. Natalie Baker, at the Finance Division to discuss Pakistan–U.S. economic relations and opportunities for further strengthening bilateral economic cooperation.

The Finance Minister briefed the Chargé d’Affaires on his recent visit to Washington, where he held discussions with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, senior management of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the U.S. Export-Import Bank (EXIM). He highlighted the constructive engagement with U.S. institutions and discussed opportunities to further strengthen financial cooperation, investment and financing for commercially viable projects in Pakistan.

The Finance Minister also shared an update on the recent engagement with the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) regarding the Pakistan–U.S. reciprocal trade framework. He noted the considerable progress made in the discussions and emphasized Pakistan’s interest in taking the framework forward on a mutually beneficial basis, including through enhanced market access, greater export opportunities and increased bilateral trade.

Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb also briefed the Chargé d’Affaires on Pakistan’s engagement with international capital markets and efforts to diversify financing sources. He highlighted the Government’s focus on improving foreign exchange reserves, strengthening the sovereign credit profile and accessing longer-term financing instruments to support economic stability and sustainable economic growth.

The discussion also covered opportunities for greater participation of U.S. financial institutions, including DFC, in Pakistan’s investment landscape. The Finance Minister emphasized the importance of identifying specific, investment-ready projects and developing appropriate financing structures to facilitate greater participation by U.S. companies and financial institutions.

The two sides also exchanged views on ports and logistics, energy, telecommunications, digital technology, artificial intelligence and other emerging sectors. The Finance Minister highlighted the Government’s efforts to create an enabling environment for private-sector investment and welcomed growing interest among U.S. companies and investors in Pakistan.

Ms. Baker appreciated Pakistan’s efforts in navigating the recent regional conflict and its economic implications, particularly rising energy prices, while maintaining economic and financial stability. The Finance Minister briefed her on measures to manage the evolving situation, including the recent move towards a daily price revision mechanism for petroleum products to align domestic prices more closely with international market conditions. He emphasized the Government’s continued focus on fiscal discipline, strengthening foreign exchange reserves, promoting exports and sustaining economic growth.

The Finance Minister acknowledged the constructive role of US partners and emphasized Pakistan’s openness to facilitating investment and improving the business environment. He reiterated the government’s focus on structural reforms, export-led growth, and strengthening institutional frameworks.

Ms. Baker reaffirmed U.S. support for Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and appreciated the Government’s efforts to stabilize the economy amid challenging circumstances. She expressed continued U.S. interest in strengthening bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation, particularly through greater participation of U.S. companies in key sectors of the Pakistani economy.