BANGKOK: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, accompanied by the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), met with Ms. Erin Browne, Under Secretary for International Affairs, US Department of the Treasury, on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 to discuss Pakistan’s economic outlook, reforms and external financing.
The finance minister highlighted Pakistan’s US$3 billion Eurobond issuance in September and plans to diversify financing through Sukuk, Panda bonds and other instruments. He outlined progress under the IMF programme, tax reforms, three consecutive years of primary surpluses and foreign exchange reserves of approximately US$21.6 billion.
Discussions covered the regional conflict’s implications for energy, inflation and food security, as well as measures to ensure supplies and prepare for winter demand. The Finance Minister emphasized export-led growth, stronger IT exports, improved goods competitiveness and debt sustainability to support progress towards a BB sovereign rating.
He also discussed privatization, airport outsourcing, engagement with Boeing and potential US EXIM Bank financing, expressing deep appreciation for continued US support.
MUFG Investor Session
The finance minister, accompanied by the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), also met with investors at a Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG)-organized session on the sidelines of the World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand, to discuss Pakistan’s economic outlook and financing strategy.
The finance ninister highlighted fiscal consolidation, primary surpluses, progress under the IMF programme, easing inflation and projected growth of 3.5–4.5%.
Discussions covered stronger reserves, remittances and IT exports, alongside debt repayments, bilateral rollovers and reduced reliance on expensive short-term borrowing. The Finance Minister addressed investors’ queries regarding foreign exchange liberalization, agricultural income tax, fiscal devolution and the timing of rupee-denominated, dollar-settled bonds. He emphasized that future issuance would follow market conditions and the debt strategy.