IMF, World Bank meetings: Aurangzeb leads strategic talks to boost trade, investment

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a series of high-level meetings at the IMF and the World Bank aimed at boosting trade, investment, and financial stability and highlighting Pakistan’s reform progress, digital transformation and global partnerships.

The finance minister, who commenced his engagements at the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings 2026, held a productive discussion with United States Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer and explored avenues to enhance bilateral trade and investment, including improving market access, said a news release.

They expressed satisfaction with the steady progress in ongoing trade negotiations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to achieving mutually beneficial outcomes and deepening economic cooperation.

READ MORE: FM Aurangzeb discusses reform agenda, social protection with World Bank’s director

Subsequently, Aurangzeb met with World Bank Managing Director (Operations) Anna Bjerde, where he appreciated the institution’s longstanding support to Pakistan’s reform and development agenda. The discussion focused on Pakistan’s response to the economic implications of the ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly its first- and second-order effects.

Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening social protection mechanisms to safeguard vulnerable populations. Progress under the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) was also reviewed, with acknowledgment of key achievements alongside the need for sustained efforts.

He underscored the importance of a coordinated federal-provincial strategy to address Pakistan’s demographic challenges and requested the World Bank’s support in developing a comprehensive Master Plan.

In a separate meeting with Jonathan Greenstein, Deputy Under Secretary for International Affairs, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s successful Staff-Level Agreement (SLA) with the IMF, reiterating the government’s firm commitment to its reform agenda.

He noted the timely repayment of Pakistan’s eurobond obligation of USD 1.3 billion and reaffirmed the country’s resolve to meet all external financial obligations. The two sides also discussed the broader economic implications of the Middle East conflict, including its impact on remittances and the external sector, while exchanging views on measures to strengthen foreign exchange reserves and ensure macroeconomic stability.

The minister also met with IFC Managing Director Makhtar Diop and emphasized the importance of scaling up private sector investment, productivity, and job creation in Pakistan. While appreciating IFC’s role in mobilizing local currency financing and supporting trade finance, he urged greater engagement in developing Pakistan’s capital markets, drawing on global best practices.

He further highlighted the need for closer collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Task Force on Agriculture and commended IFC’s evolving capital mobilization strategy.

During his meeting with Sultan bin Abdulrahman Al-Marshad, CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Senator Aurangzeb expressed gratitude for ongoing and future development cooperation. He also discussed the implications of the Middle East conflict on global energy security and expressed hope for its peaceful resolution, while reaffirming the strength of bilateral relations.