Islamabad: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb says Pakistan attaches the highest importance to its economic and investment partnership with the United Arab Emirates and stands fully committed to extending all possible facilitation to UAE investors. He was talking to a group of leading UAE investors and businessmen in Islamabad today. The delegation was led by Mohamed Baradei - Group CIO of the EIX, an Abu Dhabi-based global company specializing in investment and strategic advisory services.
According to Radio Pakistan, the Finance Minister briefed the delegation on the state of Pakistan's economy and the wide-ranging structural reforms undertaken over the past one and a half years. He highlighted the achievement of a primary surplus after many years, the return of inflation to single digits, stable currency, robust foreign exchange reserves, and external validation from leading international rating agencies which are now aligned in their improved assessment of Pakistan's economy. Exports and remittances were described as healthy, while the Karachi Stock Exchange has been witnessing unprecedented activity, with over 70,000 new investors entering the market, reflecting growing confidence among both domestic and foreign investors.
Muhammad Aurangzeb informed the investors about promising opportunities in the mining sector, especially the Reko Diq project, which is expected to significantly strengthen Pakistan's external sector through sustainable foreign inflows. He also shared updates on the government's upcoming Industrial Policy, which will provide a roadmap for further improving the investment climate. He added that bold tariff reforms and the launch of policies such as the digital and export promotion policies indicate the government's future trajectory of reforms.
The Minister said Pakistan is preparing to tap international capital markets through its first-ever Panda bond, while also planning future issuances in Euro and dollar markets to further strengthen reserves. He assured the delegation of the government's full support in facilitating their investments in Pakistan.
The visiting UAE delegation reciprocated the warm sentiments, expressing gratitude for the hospitality extended to them and appreciation for the constructive interactions they had across government and business circles.