Pakistan is seeking stronger private-sector ties with New Zealand to increase investment, expand trade and create new business opportunities between the two countries.

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed the matter with New Zealand High Commissioner-designate David Pine during a meeting in Islamabad on Wednesday.

The meeting covered bilateral economic relations, trade, investment and potential areas for greater cooperation.

Pine congratulated Aurangzeb on Pakistan’s recent return to international capital markets through its successful Eurobond issuance. He also welcomed the progress made by Pakistan toward macroeconomic stability and economic reforms.

The New Zealand envoy briefed the finance minister on his country’s plans to strengthen economic engagement with Pakistan and the broader South Asian region.

Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s economic priorities were now moving beyond stabilization toward attracting investment, boosting exports, generating employment and achieving sustainable growth.

He said maintaining policy continuity, fiscal discipline and structural reforms would be critical for keeping the economy on its current path.

The two sides placed particular emphasis on expanding business-to-business (B2B) connections between Pakistani and New Zealand companies.

Pine said businesses from both countries should develop direct links and explore commercially viable opportunities. He also expressed interest in more frequent bilateral trade discussions to identify and resolve trade issues as they emerge.