ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb positioned the country as a regional connectivity and logistics hub while highlighting opportunities across key sectors in an interaction with global investors, an official statement said on Tuesday, as Islamabad sought to reinforce confidence in its reform drive and economic outlook.
The minister held a virtual interaction with Jefferies Financial Group, a US-based investment bank and financial services firm, at a time when Pakistan was looking to stabilize its economy following years of external pressures, while pursuing fiscal consolidation, structural reforms and investment-led growth.
“Highlighting emerging opportunities, the Finance Minister pointed to Pakistan’s growing potential as a regional connectivity and logistics hub,” the finance division said in a statement. “He noted increased operational activity at ports, including
Gwadar, and emphasized the opportunity to further position Pakistan as a maritime and transshipment hub.”
“He also underscored opportunities in agriculture, minerals and mining, and the ongoing transition toward renewable energy, including notable progress in solar adoption,” it added.
The minister said the government remained committed to maintaining macroeconomic stability and advancing reforms critical for long-term economic sustainability, including tax administration changes, energy sector improvements and restructuring of state-owned enterprises.
“Pakistan has made steady progress under its ongoing program with the International Monetary Fund, with successful completion of key reviews reflecting adherence to both quantitative and structural benchmarks,” Aurangzeb said, according to the statement.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to meeting external obligations, saying Eurobond repayments were being carried out in an orderly manner to maintain credibility in international financial markets.
Outlining financing plans, he said the government was exploring Panda bonds to diversify funding sources, while preparations for returning to international capital markets through Eurobond and Sukuk issuances were under consideration, subject to market conditions.
The minister also highlighted progress in digital finance and efforts to develop a regulatory framework for virtual assets aimed at promoting innovation while ensuring consumer protection and transparency.
Investors acknowledged improving macroeconomic indicators and stronger external buffers, the statement said, while emphasizing the need to sustain reform momentum, ensure policy continuity and maintain effective communication to support capital inflows.
