Pakistan, US discuss expanded economic cooperation and investment opportunities

Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met US Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss expanding bilateral economic cooperation and encouraging long-term American investment.

US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie A. Baker also attended the meeting at the Finance Division. Discussions covered trade facilitation, investment prospects, and Pakistan's ongoing reform program.

What did Pakistan and the US discuss in their Islamabad meeting?

The two sides focused on Pakistan-US economic relations, investment prospects, and trade facilitation, alongside Islamabad's reform program aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability. Aurangzeb briefed the US delegation on fiscal consolidation, tax base broadening, digitalization, and financial inclusion. Both sides agreed on the importance of sustained engagement between public and private sector stakeholders to deepen commercial cooperation.

What sectors is the US interested in investing in Pakistan?

Aurangzeb highlighted recent economic improvements, including stronger remittance inflows, better external financing, and renewed access to international capital markets. He said Pakistan was seeking long-term investment in energy, mining, infrastructure, technology, and digital finance. US Chargé d'Affaires Baker noted growing private-sector interest across those sectors and emphasized the importance of continued efforts to improve the investment climate.

What did the US side say about Pakistan's reform efforts?

Kapur acknowledged Pakistan's reform efforts and stressed the importance of maintaining a stable and competitive business environment to attract foreign investment. He said US companies were increasingly interested in exploring long-term opportunities in Pakistan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan-US economic ties and advancing shared economic and development objectives.