Pakistan seeks expansion of AIIB investment portfolio

Pakistan has asked the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to expand its projects in the country, focusing on the strategic importance of the N-5 highway.

This request was made during a meeting between AIIB Vice President Konstantin Limitovskiy and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema. The Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division also attended the meeting.

Minister Cheema thanked AIIB for its support, especially during the 2022 floods, and praised the Bank's investments in Pakistan. He suggested that AIIB increase its presence in Pakistan as investments grow.

Cheema also appreciated AIIB's commitment to the Project Preparation Special Fund (PPSF) for the N-5 highway project, highlighting the importance of AIIB's involvement for the project's success.

Cheema emphasized the government's priorities of regional connectivity and economic growth, urging AIIB to consider financing the Sukkur-Hyderabad section of the Karachi-Peshawar Motorway (M-6). This would complete the motorway network from Karachi to Peshawar.

The Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division reiterated the request for AIIB to expand its portfolio in Pakistan, stressing the importance of the N-5 project.

Limitovskiy expressed confidence in the Economic Affairs Division's project review process and expected timely resolution of project issues. He reaffirmed AIIB's commitment to the N-5 project and praised Pakistan's cooperation. He also mentioned AIIB's interest in future investments in Pakistan's energy transmission sector.