Pakistan is seeking increased investment and financing from US companies and financial institutions for commercially viable projects as Islamabad moves to deepen economic ties with Washington.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed the investment push during a meeting with US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker in Islamabad on Monday, where the two sides reviewed trade, investment and financing opportunities.
Aurangzeb called for greater involvement of the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and other US financial institutions in Pakistan. He said investment-ready projects should be identified and matched with suitable financing structures to attract US investors.
The meeting also covered progress on the Pakistan-US reciprocal trade framework following recent discussions with the Office of the US Trade Representative. Aurangzeb said progress had been made and stressed the need to expand market access, boost exports and increase bilateral trade.
Pakistan is also seeking to diversify its external financing through international capital markets. According to the finance minister, the strategy is aimed at strengthening foreign exchange reserves, improving the country’s sovereign credit profile and securing longer-term financing.
Potential areas for US investment include ports and logistics, energy, telecommunications, digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Aurangzeb said the government was working to improve the business environment and encourage greater private-sector participation in the economy.
Baker acknowledged Pakistan’s management of recent regional tensions and their economic impact, including higher energy costs. Aurangzeb said the government had taken measures to manage these pressures, including moving toward daily petroleum price adjustments to bring domestic prices closer to international market movements.
The US official reaffirmed Washington’s support for Pakistan’s economic reform efforts and expressed interest in expanding bilateral trade, investment and broader economic cooperation through increased participation by US companies in key sectors.
