U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Discusses Economic Cooperation with Finance Minister

Elizabeth Horst, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Pakistan, met with Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday. According to a ministry statement, their discussion focused on the upward trajectory of Pakistan-U.S. economic relations and identifying opportunities for enhanced collaboration.

The meeting, hosted at the Finance Division, facilitated an exchange of perspectives on areas of mutual concern. Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to strengthening bilateral engagement, particularly in the domains of trade and investment.

Senator Aurangzeb conveyed his gratitude for the enduring assistance of the United States in supporting Pakistan’s economic advancement. He recognized Washington’s continuous support for macroeconomic stability over the past eighteen months and acknowledged the positive progression of bilateral relations across various sectors.

The minister updated Ms. Horst on his recent U.S. visit, including his discussions with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer, highlighting the encouraging advancements in trade relations.

He emphasized the United States’ importance as Pakistan’s premier trading partner. Aurangzeb reiterated Islamabad’s eagerness to broaden collaboration in promising sectors such as information technology, minerals, and agriculture.

The U.S. diplomat was also briefed on Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators, including recent upgrades in sovereign credit ratings and increasing investor confidence. He outlined crucial ongoing reforms in taxation and energy aimed at ensuring long-term economic resilience.

Furthermore, he shared updates on Pakistan’s recent participation in Middle Eastern capital markets, plans to issue its first Panda bond, and future access to capital markets denominated in Euros and U.S. dollars.

Ms. Horst welcomed the economic progress and acknowledged the government’s reform-focused strategy. She restated the U.S. commitment to reinforcing economic and trade connections with Pakistan and expressed optimism about creating a robust and diversified business partnership.

The meeting concluded with a mutual agreement to capitalize on the current momentum and intensify bilateral collaboration in the coming months.