US delegation discusses trade with FinMin
US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs S Paul Kapur has expressed Washington's interest in expanding economic cooperation with Pakistan, noting that American companies are keen to explore long?term investment opportunities in the country, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.
Kapur, accompanied by US Chargé d'Affaires Natalie A Baker, met Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division. The meeting focused on Pakistan?US economic cooperation, investment opportunities, trade relations, and the government's ongoing reform agenda aimed at strengthening macroeconomic stability and improving the business and investment climate in the country. Both sides exchanged views on enhancing bilateral economic engagement and expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Welcoming the delegation, Aurangzeb appreciated the positive trajectory of bilateral relations and underscored the government's commitment to fostering a transparent, predictable and investor?friendly environment. He highlighted ongoing economic stabilisation efforts, progress on reforms, and measures to improve fiscal sustainability, broaden the tax base, accelerate digitisation and promote financial inclusion.
The finance 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.
Kapur acknowledged Pakistan's reform efforts and stressed the importance of maintaining a competitive and predictable business environment to encourage greater foreign investment. Baker appreciated the government's continued engagement with American companies and the efforts to facilitate a more enabling business environment. She noted growing interest among US businesses in exploring opportunities across a range of sectors.
Both sides discussed opportunities for enhanced collaboration with US businesses and investors, recognising the importance of a conducive business environment and continued public?private stakeholder engagement. The US side expressed interest in expanding economic and commercial cooperation with Pakistan and appreciated the government's efforts to support economic reforms and facilitate investment.