Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held a series of high-level meetings with global technology and financial leaders, as well as US officials, on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington, D.C., discussing Pakistan’s digital transformation, financial inclusion, and broader economic reform agenda.
According to a statement, Aurangzeb held a productive meeting with Ambassador Karan Bhatia, Vice President and Global Head of Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google.
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During the meeting, Aurangzeb appreciated Google’s ongoing initiatives in Pakistan, particularly its training and capacity-building programs in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). He also commended the company on the landmark development of local assembly of Google Chromebooks in Pakistan and its decision to open an office in the country in July 2026.
The two sides discussed ongoing and new initiatives being pursued by Google in partnership with the Government of Pakistan to promote AI development and its integration across key sectors of the economy, including agriculture and manufacturing.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening collaboration in support of Pakistan’s broader digital transformation agenda.
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Meanwhile, Aurangzeb also met with Tucker Foote, Chief of Global Affairs and Policy at Mastercard.
During the meeting, the two sides discussed avenues for strengthening digital payments, promoting financial inclusion, and fostering innovation within Pakistan’s fintech ecosystem.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the development of a secure, inclusive, and forward-looking digital economy in Pakistan.
Issues relating to cybersecurity, cross-border financial flows, and remittances were also discussed during the meeting.
Later, the finance minister met with Tsutomu Yamamoto, Managing Director of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), where he welcomed MIGA’s proposed short-term trade finance facility of up to $500 million.
He emphasised its critical role in financing essential imports such as food, fertiliser, energy, and machinery, and requested expedited progress.
The minister also acknowledged ongoing arbitration matters and expressed confidence in MIGA’s facilitation to achieve amicable outcomes while preserving investor confidence.
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