US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker met Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday and discussed ways to strengthen Pakistan-US economic relations, trade and investment.
The finance minister briefed the US diplomat on his recent meetings with American officials and his visit to Washington, highlighting progress in negotiations on a bilateral trade framework between the two countries.
Aurangzeb stressed the need for greater investment in Pakistan by the US International Development Finance Corporation and other financial institutions.
He said Pakistan was keen to improve market access, increase exports and expand bilateral trade with the United States.
The two sides discussed potential cooperation in ports, logistics, energy, telecommunications and digital technology, as well as emerging sectors including artificial intelligence.
Aurangzeb said bankable projects and suitable financing structures were being prepared to attract investment in Pakistan.
The meeting also discussed the economic impact of rising energy prices amid regional tensions. The US chargé d’affaires was briefed on the mechanism for daily revision of petroleum product prices.
The finance minister said the government remained focused on strengthening fiscal discipline and foreign exchange reserves and would continue reforms aimed at increasing exports and sustaining economic growth.
He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to attracting investment and improving the business environment.
Baker appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to stabilise its economy under difficult circumstances and reiterated US support for the country’s economic reform agenda.
She also noted interest among US companies in expanding investment in key sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
Both sides agreed to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment and broader economic ties.
