Aurangzeb seeks US support for Pakistan in Bessent meeting

Pakistan sought greater US support for its economic reform agenda as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held separate meetings with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and representatives of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Washington, DC.

During his meeting with Bessent, the finance minister highlighted Pakistan’s journey from macroeconomic stabilisation to sustainable, export-led growth, while noting the economy’s vulnerability to regional geopolitical developments.

“Aurangzeb sought greater US support for Pakistan’s road to market, underpinned by improved access to international capital markets, higher foreign exchange reserves, and enhanced sovereign credit ratings,” read a statement released on Wednesday.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral economic cooperation, promoting greater US investment, and advancing strategic projects.

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In a separate meeting with representatives of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in Washington, DC, the finance minister sought expedited support for priority private sector-led projects in the energy, information technology, infrastructure, minerals, food and agriculture sectors.

He noted that the DFC’s focus on ports, telecommunications, information technology, energy, minerals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and supply-chain development closely aligns with Pakistan’s development priorities.

Aurangzeb invited a DFC team to visit Pakistan to identify bankable projects and work with relevant stakeholders in developing viable business plans.

Discussions also covered the possibility of establishing DFC representation in Pakistan and engagement with future US congressional delegations, read the statement.