Aurangzeb, German ambassador discuss economic relations

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb met Wednesday with Ms Ina Lepel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Pakistan, who called on the Minister at the Finance Division.

The meeting reviewed the overall state of Pakistan-Germany economic relations and underscored the importance of sustained engagement to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, and development.

Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to deepening economic ties and promoting a stable, transparent, and predictable business environment that supports long-term growth.

The Federal Minister outlined the government’s broad economic outlook and reform priorities, emphasizing the importance of macroeconomic stability, fiscal sustainability, and competitiveness-led growth.

He shared perspectives on ongoing efforts to support economic recovery, strengthen export capacity, and improve resilience against external shocks, while maintaining momentum on structural reforms aimed at ensuring inclusive and durable development.

Discussions also covered the government’s revenue and taxation reform agenda, with emphasis on broadening the tax base, improving compliance, and enhancing efficiency through technology and data-driven processes.

The minister highlighted that reforms are designed to promote fairness, reduce distortions, and create a level playing field for all economic actors, while supporting investment and formal economic activity.

The ambassador welcomed the reform efforts under way and shared general observations from engagements with the business community, noting the importance of clarity, consistency, and effective dialogue between stakeholders and public institutions.

Both sides emphasized the value of continued engagement to ensure that policy objectives are well understood and that implementation remains aligned with economic growth and investor confidence.

The Finance Minister also highlighted the ongoing administrative and institutional measures to strengthen tax administration, improve service delivery, and enhance transparency.

The discussion underscored the importance of predictable processes, timely resolution of matters, and continued modernization of systems to support compliance and facilitate business activity.

The meeting also touched upon the broader regional and global economic environment, recognizing shared challenges and opportunities arising from global uncertainty.

Both sides highlighted the importance of cooperation, policy continuity, and mutual understanding in navigating these dynamics and advancing sustainable economic outcomes.

Both sides reaffirmed the strong and longstanding partnership between Pakistan and Germany, and a shared commitment to maintaining close coordination and constructive dialogue in support of economic reforms, investment promotion, and mutually beneficial cooperation.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026