Federal Minister for Finance and Revenu Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday held a detailed meeting with a World Bank delegation to review Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform programme, with discussions focusing on private sector-led growth, investment, job creation and access to finance.
The meeting also covered the World Bank’s proposed Growth and Jobs Operation, including measures to improve the investment climate, expand financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthen export finance.
Aurangzeb stressed the need to move from reform design towards effective implementation, saying practical measures were needed to improve economic activity, investment, employment and the business environment.
The discussions formed part of Pakistan’s continuing economic reform partnership with the World Bank.
The two sides discussed reforms aimed at improving access to finance for SMEs and strengthening the investment environment.
The proposed Growth and Jobs Operation includes measures related to the Prime Minister’s Access to Finance initiative, including a unified insolvency framework, factoring legislation and reforms aimed at expanding commercial financing.
The discussions also covered export finance and measures to strengthen the ability of businesses to participate in domestic and international markets.
Pakistan has been seeking to expand SME financing as part of its broader shift towards private sector-led growth. The Finance Division reported in September that SME financing had reached Rs1.067 trillion by the end of August 2026, covering 323,987 borrowers.
The World Bank and Pakistani officials also reviewed reform measures in the pharmaceutical, medical products and agricultural sectors.
Discussions included seed registration, deregulation of selected commodities and international accreditation, alongside efforts to improve competitiveness and productivity.
Skills development and vocational qualifications were also discussed, including the international recognition of Pakistani skills.
The discussions also covered World Bank technical assistance for tax policy and Pakistan’s Medium-Term Revenue Strategy.
