US seeks expanded economic cooperation with Pakistan

The United States expressed on Wednesday its interest in expanding economic cooperation with Pakistan and noted the strong interest of American companies in exploring long-term investment opportunities in the country.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held a meeting today with Assistant Secretary, Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, United States, S. Paul Kapur, at the Finance Division, the Finance Ministry said.

Kapur was accompanied by US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker.

The meeting focused on Pakistan-US economic cooperation, investment opportunities, trade relations, and Pakistan’s ongoing reform agenda aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability and improving the business and investment climate in the country.

The two countries exchanged views on enhancing bilateral economic engagement and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.

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“Welcoming the US delegation, Senator Aurangzeb appreciated the positive trajectory of Pakistan-U.S. relations and underscored the government’s commitment to fostering a transparent, predictable, and investor-friendly environment,” the press release said.

The finance minister highlighted Pakistan’s ongoing economic stabilisation efforts, progress on reforms, and measures aimed at improving fiscal sustainability, broadening the tax base, accelerating digitisation, and promoting financial inclusion.

During the meeting, the minister also shared recent positive trends in key economic indicators, including remittances, external inflows, and renewed access to international capital markets.

“He emphasised the Government’s focus on attracting long-term investment, particularly in sectors such as energy, mining, infrastructure, technology, and digital finance.”

Meanwhile, Kapur acknowledged Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform efforts and emphasised the importance of maintaining a “competitive and predictable business environment to encourage greater foreign investment and commercial engagement”.

Moreover, Baker appreciated Pakistan’s continued engagement with American companies and acknowledged the efforts being made to facilitate a more enabling and investor-friendly business environment.

“She noted the growing interest among US businesses in exploring opportunities in Pakistan across a range of sectors.

The two sides also covered opportunities for enhanced collaboration with US businesses and investors, with both sides recognising the importance of a conducive business environment and continued engagement between public and private sector stakeholders.

“The US expressed interest in expanding economic and commercial cooperation with Pakistan and appreciated the Government’s efforts to support economic reforms and facilitate investment,” as per the ministry.