Finance Minister Sees Major Potential in Pak-US Economic Cooperation

Federal Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting today with a high-level delegation of the US Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) led by Esperanza Jelalian, Vice President of the U.S. Pakistan Business Council. The delegation comprised leading American investors and representatives from prominent U.S. businesses operating in or exploring opportunities in Pakistan. The minister welcomed the continued interest and investment by U.S. companies in Pakistan and appreciated the participation of U.S. officials and business representatives in the recently held Pakistan Minerals Forum. He underscored the vast potential for expanding Pakistan-U.S. economic cooperation, particularly in key sectors such as energy, minerals, agriculture, and digital services. During the meeting, Aurangzeb highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a conducive and enabling business environment for both domestic and foreign investors. He informed the delegation that the government was carefully reviewing policy suggestions, including those related to the taxation regime, submitted by industry bodies and business forums—including USPBC—as part of the consultative process ahead of the forthcoming federal budget. He reiterated the government’s intention to support sustainable and profitable business growth for U.S. and other international investors in Pakistan. The minister also recalled his recent visit to the United States to attend the World Bank/IMF Spring Meetings. He briefed the delegation on his extensive engagements during the visit, which included over 70 interactions over a six-day period with a wide range of stakeholders including government counterparts, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), investment banks, multilateral and bilateral partners, rating agencies, think tanks, and leading international media outlets. He shared that feedback from these stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive and reflected strong support for the macroeconomic stability and structural reforms being implemented in Pakistan. Several international partners expressed appreciation for the progress made—some even beyond expectations—and conveyed their readiness to continue supporting Pakistan’s economic reform agenda. A consistent recommendation from these partners, the minister noted, was for Pakistan to stay the course, sustain reform momentum, and embed durability in macroeconomic stability. The meeting concluded with a mutual expression of commitment to deepening bilateral trade and investment ties between Pakistan and the United States.