ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb has proposed the formation of a global coalition of developing nations to collectively advocate for fair trade and better representation in international financial institutions, while criticizing the global economy as unequal, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.
The finance chief made these remarks during his address at the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025, held in China.
The forum, often referred to as the “Asian Davos,” is a high-level platform where leaders from government, business and academia across Asia and other continents gather to discuss pressing global and regional issues, with this year’s conference — titled “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future” — running from March 25 to 28.
“Developing countries must unite to demand fair trade principles and improved representation in global financial institutions,” Aurangzeb said, according to a finance ministry statement, as they asked them to form a global coalition.
He said globalization’s had led to general progress, but its benefits remained unevenly distributed.
“The global economy has undoubtedly driven economic growth,” Aurangzeb said, according to a statement released by Pakistan’s finance ministry. “However, it remains highly unequal and fragmented.”
“Such an economy primarily benefits developed nations, while countries in the Global South are often overlooked,” he added.
Highlighting the structural challenges faced by developing nations, Aurangzeb pointed to high tariffs, discriminatory trade practices and barriers to market access that limit their ability to participate fully in the global economy.
He also stressed the urgency of reforming the global sovereign debt system, urging multilateral institutions such as the G20 and the IMF to play a more constructive role in debt relief and financial justice.
“The G20 and IMF must reform the sovereign debt system to enable debt forgiveness and ensure financial fairness,” he said.
Calling for inclusive and sustainable growth, Aurangzeb advocated for stronger multilateral cooperation to promote equitable market access, enhance regional connectivity, and build a global economy that works for all.
“An inclusive global economy is not a choice but a necessity,” he said.
He also underscored the role of technology in closing the global equity gap, recommending the creation of international AI and fintech funds to support digital inclusion in developing countries.
“Technology should serve as a tool for equity,” he said.
The finance minister further called for sustainability and environmental justice to be integrated into globalization policies.
He stressed the need for increased climate financing and easier technology transfer to countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.
Pakistani finance chief calls for coalition of developing nations to push for fair trade, financial reform
https://arab.news/b533a
Pakistani finance chief calls for coalition of developing nations to push for fair trade, financial reform
- Muhammad Aurangzeb floated the proposal while addressing the Asia Annual Conference 2025, held in China
- He called for reforming the global sovereign debt system, with G20 and IMF supporting debt relief, financial justice
Industry leaders highlight Riyadh’s Metro, infrastructure as investment catalysts
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, is experiencing a transformative phase in its real estate sector, with the construction market projected to reach approximately $100 billion in 2025, accompanied by an anticipated annual growth rate of 5.4 percent through 2029.
The Kingdom is simultaneously advancing its data center capacity at an accelerated pace, with an impressive 2.7 GW currently in the pipeline. This expansion underscores the critical role of strategic land and power planning in establishing national infrastructure as a cornerstone of economic growth.
These insights were shared by leading industry experts during JLL’s recent client event in Riyadh, which focused on the city’s macroeconomic landscape and emerging trends across office, residential, retail, hospitality, and pioneering sectors, including AI infrastructure and Transit-Oriented Development.
Saud Al-Sulaimani, Country Lead and Head of Capital Markets at JLL Saudi Arabia, commented: “Riyadh is positioned at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, offering unparalleled opportunities for both investors and developers. National priorities are continuously recalibrated to ensure strategic alignment of projects and foster deeper collaboration with the private sector.”
He added: “Recent regulatory developments, including the introduction of the White Land Tax and the rent freeze, are designed to stabilize the market and are expected to drive renewed focus on delivering premium-quality assets. This dynamic environment, coupled with evolving construction cost considerations in select segments, is fundamentally reshaping the market landscape while accelerating progress toward our national objectives.”
The event further underscored the transformative impact of infrastructure initiatives. Mireille Azzam Vidjen, Head of Consulting for the Middle East and Africa at JLL, highlighted Riyadh’s transit revolution. She detailed the Riyadh Metro, a $22.5 billion investment encompassing 176 kilometers, six lines, and 84 stations, providing extensive geographic coverage, with a depth of 9.8 km per 100 sq. km. This strategic development generates significant TOD opportunities, with properties in proximity potentially commanding a 20-30 percent premium. JLL emphasized the importance of implementing climate-responsive last-mile solutions to enhance mobility and accessibility, particularly given Riyadh’s extreme temperatures.
Gaurav Mathur, Head of Data Centers at JLL, emphasized the rapid expansion of the Kingdom’s AI infrastructure, signaling a critical area for technological investment and innovation.
Focusing on the construction sector, Maroun Deeb, Head of Projects and Development Services, KSA at JLL, explained that the industry is actively navigating complexities such as skilled labor availability, material costs, and supply chain dynamics.
He highlighted the adoption of Building Information Modeling as a key driver for enhancing operational efficiency and project delivery.
