Pakistan finance minister leaves for Saudi Arabia to attend AlUla conference on emerging economies

Pakistan’s Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb speaks during a discussion on Pakistan, during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group 2024 Annual Meetings, in Washington, DC on October 22, 2024. (Sipa USA via Reuters/File)
Short Url
Updated 16 February 2025
Follow

Pakistan finance minister leaves for Saudi Arabia to attend AlUla conference on emerging economies

  • The conference will provide a unique platform for world leaders to discuss and analyze domestic, regional and global economic developments
  • Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb’s participation comes in context of policy measures that have led to stability in the Pakistani economy

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has left for Saudi Arabia to attend the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, the Pakistani finance ministry said on Saturday.
The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies is an annual economic policy conference, organized by Saudi Arabia’s finance ministry and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regional office in Riyadh.
The conference will convene a select group of emerging markets’ ministers of finance, central bank governors, and policymakers, as well as public and private sector leaders, international institutions, and academia.
Aurangzeb is attending the two-day conference, starting on Sunday, on the invitation of his Saudi counterpart Mohammed Al-Jadaan, in context of policy measures that have led to the stability and positive changes in the Pakistani economy despite the uncertain regional and global environment.
“Muhammad Aurangzeb will participate in a high-level panel discussion on the topic of ‘The Path to Emergent Markets’ during the conference,” the Pakistani finance ministry said. “IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva will host the panel discussion.”
Pakistan is currently navigating a tricky path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan program it secured in September last year. The South Asian country has undertaken several reforms and policy measures since averting an imminent default on its external debt in 2023.
The conference will have a total of 9 sessions in which 200 participants and 36 speakers will participate, according to the Pakistani finance ministry.
The forum will discuss ways to build resilience in a changing world, and appropriate economic and financial policies needed for emerging markets and developing economies to address economic challenges.
It comes at a time when the world is grappling with deep and persistent economic shocks, trade tensions between major world powers, geopolitics, and tight financial conditions.
“The conference will provide a unique platform for world leaders to discuss and analyze domestic, regional, and global economic conditions and developments, and to exchange ideas on solutions to global challenges,” the Pakistani finance ministry added.


Pakistan to discuss regional issues, economic ties at UAE summit this week

Updated 9 sec ago
Follow

Pakistan to discuss regional issues, economic ties at UAE summit this week

  • Deputy PM Ishaq Dar to attend Sir Bani Yas Forum from Dec. 12-14, says Pakistan foreign office
  • Senior statemen, policymakers expected to discuss security and economic cooperation at summit

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the Sir Bani Yas Forum in the UAE from Dec. 12-14 to discuss regional issues with world leaders and explore economic partnerships, the foreign ministry said on Friday. 

The three-day summit features senior statesmen, policymakers and global experts from around the world with discussions likely to revolve around key regional and international issues such as peace, security and economic cooperation.

Dar, who is also Pakistan’s foreign minister, attended the 15th edition of the Bani Yas Forum last year. He is attending this year’s summit at the invitation of his UAE counterpart, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the foreign office said. 

“During the Forum, the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister will engage with international leaders and experts on matters related to regional stability, sustainable development, and the expansion of economic partnerships,” the statement said. 

“He will also present Pakistan’s perspectives on promoting dialogue, addressing regional challenges, and fostering enhanced opportunities for economic cooperation.”

The Forum is expected to feature important discussions on Israel’s war in Gaza and the fragile ceasefire in the Middle East. 

Pakistan has consistently criticized Israel for violating the ceasefire in Gaza and has called on the international community to intervene and ensure the fragile agreement does not collapse. 

Islamabad has also been eyeing economic partnerships with regional allies, particularly Gulf countries, at such global summits in recent months. 

It has entered into economic, defense, trade and investment agreements with traditional allies such as China, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar and Central Asian states in recent months.