ISLAMABAD: The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has reaffirmed its continued support to Pakistan for its funded projects within its mandate, it was reported on Tuesday.
The support was extended during a meeting between Minister for Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb and Chief Executive Officer of the Saudi Fund for Development Sultan Abdulrahman Al-Marshad.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Finance Minister expressed condolences over the loss of life in recent incidents in Saudi Arabia and thanked the Kingdom for its longstanding support to Pakistan.
He highlighted Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic position and renewed access to international capital markets.
Discussions focused on expanding trade and investment, strengthening private-sector engagement, following up on the bilateral investment protection agreement and exploring opportunities for refinery upgrades.
Both sides noted satisfactory progress on Saudi Fund for Development-supported projects and emphasized the importance of developing a fresh pipeline of projects.
Pakistan seeks IFC support for mining infrastructure
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held discussions with IFC Regional Vice President for the Middle East and Central Asia Imad Fakhoury on the sidelines of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The meeting reviewed IFC’s growing investment portfolio in Pakistan, with a focus on strengthening private-sector participation and translating macroeconomic stability into sustainable economic growth.
Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Reko Diq project and appreciated IFC’s leadership in arranging financing.
Both sides discussed further investment in mining infrastructure and value addition, alongside financing opportunities for affordable housing and property developers.
In agriculture, discussions focused on improving storage facilities, developing cold-chain infrastructure and expanding financing through electronic warehouse receipts.
The meeting also explored greater private-sector investment in livestock development and measures to support pharmaceutical exports through improved regulatory standards and investment.
Financial-sector cooperation covered small-business financing, entrepreneurship, capital market development and opportunities involving green and digital bonds.
Infrastructure discussions focused on public-private partnerships in water services, advanced electricity metering and financing arrangements for provincial development projects.
The discussions formed part of efforts to expand IFC’s role in supporting private-sector-led growth and employment in Pakistan.
