Negotiation, implementation of EFF: Aurangzeb hails SCB’s continued support

ISLAMABAD: A delegation comprising Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Board led by Christopher Parsons, Chairman of the Board and Senior Executive Officer, DIFC & ADGM, along with senior members of the bank’s board and management Friday met with Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The delegation noted that the board was convening in Islamabad after a considerable period and shared positive feedback from its engagements with international financial institutions and market participants regarding Pakistan’s improving economic outlook, said a press release.

The minister expressed appreciation for Standard Chartered’s continued support to Pakistan, particularly during the negotiation and implementation of the Extended Fund Facility, noting that the bank’s engagement played a constructive role in strengthening market confidence and supporting external financing.

He briefed the delegation on the Government’s reform priorities, emphasizing the importance of sustaining macroeconomic stability and converting it into investment-led and export-oriented growth.

The meeting focused on key areas of collaboration, including privatization, foreign direct investment and access to international capital markets. The minister highlighted the government’s renewed push on privatization, underscoring the need for credible sell-side advisory support to accelerate transactions and attract quality investors.

He also outlined efforts to diversify financing sources through capital market instruments, including progress on a potential Panda bond issuance and steps to refresh Pakistan’s Global Medium Term Note programme.

The delegation conveyed that Pakistan remains a priority market for Standard Chartered and expressed readiness to support the government’s agenda through advisory services, syndications and by connecting Pakistan with investor pools, particularly in the GCC and other international markets.

Interest was also expressed in supporting investment inflows linked to major projects and sectors with strong growth potential.

The minister further shared that the government is addressing key constraints to investment, including taxation and energy sector challenges, while advancing institutional reforms to strengthen economic policy-making. Both sides agreed to maintain close engagement to support Pakistan’s reform momentum, enhance investor confidence and promote sustainable economic growth.