FinMin, British envoy explore reforms

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott met Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss Pakistan's economic reform priorities and opportunities to deepen trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. The high commissioner highlighted the UK's continued interest in supporting Pakistan's economic transformation through technical assistance aimed at strengthening the institutional and policy framework for investment, trade and private-sector development. She appreciated the successful issuance of Pakistan's $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond, noting its significance for investor confidence and international market access. Muhammad Aurangzeb outlined the government's six key priorities: bringing permanence to macroeconomic stability; moving from stabilisation to sustainable, inclusive and responsible growth; staying the course on structural reforms; moving from aid to trade and investment; expanding access to finance; and positioning Pakistan for the "New Economy". The two sides discussed reform priorities, with particular emphasis on fiscal management, tax administration, digitalisation, expenditure efficiency, trade and investment promotion, public investment and public-private partnerships. Regarding opportunities to strengthen bilateral trade and investment, the high commissioner highlighted the potential for UK companies and diaspora networks to contribute to private-sector development, including by supporting the growth and internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises. Separately, Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting with a World Bank delegation, led by Country Director Bolormaa Amgaabazar, to review progress under the ongoing economic reform partnership and discuss implementation priorities across growth, jobs, fiscal management, revenue mobilisation, capital-market development, trade and investment, and institutional reforms.