Pakistan is seeking greater investment from China’s Silk Road Fund in key sectors including infrastructure, energy, manufacturing and private businesses as Islamabad looks to attract more foreign capital and support long-term economic growth.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held talks with a Silk Road Fund (SRF) delegation led by its Chairperson Zhu Jun on Thursday to discuss new investment opportunities and deeper economic cooperation between Pakistan and China.
During the meeting, Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s recent economic improvements, including stronger fiscal management, greater stability in the external account, improved foreign exchange reserves and a more stable macroeconomic outlook.
He said the government was working to preserve economic stability while continuing structural reforms aimed at achieving sustainable growth.
The Finance Minister also briefed the delegation on measures to increase domestic revenue, expand the tax base, digitize tax administration and address structural problems in the energy sector.
He highlighted the government’s focus on export-led growth and improving the business environment to attract more private sector investment.
The two sides also discussed Pakistan’s privatization program and investment opportunities created by reforms in the power sector, particularly in electricity transmission and distribution.
Aurangzeb called for greater participation by both domestic and international investors in Pakistan’s investment and privatization initiatives.
The Silk Road Fund delegation expressed interest in expanding its engagement with Pakistan and acknowledged the country’s progress in strengthening its economic fundamentals.
Zhu Jun said the fund was particularly impressed by the quality and potential of several private sector projects it had reviewed, as well as the capabilities of Pakistani businesses.
Aurangzeb welcomed the assessment and called for continued cooperation between the Pakistani government, local businesses and the Silk Road Fund to identify commercially viable projects and expand investment in areas of mutual interest.
