ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has departed for the United States to attend the annual plenary meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank, amid growing optimism over a potential staff-level agreement between Pakistan and the IMF.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Saturday, Aurangzeb will represent Pakistan at the high-level meetings, where he is scheduled to engage with key officials from global financial institutions including the IMF, World Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).
As part of his engagements, Aurangzeb will meet World Bank President Ajay Banga and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva. He is also expected to address the G24 and MENAP (Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan) meeting as a keynote speaker.
Speaking ahead of his departure, Aurangzeb expressed confidence that Pakistan will reach a staff-level agreement with the IMF during his visit to Washington, which could pave the way for vital financial support.
The finance minister will also attend two key sessions hosted by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and hold bilateral meetings with finance leaders from China, the United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.
In addition, Aurangzeb is expected to meet senior White House officials, the Chairman of the Financial Services Committee, and key representatives from the US State Department, Treasury Department, and International Development Finance Corporation (DFC).
The minister will engage with the US-Pakistan Business Council to discuss investment opportunities and recent tax proposals aimed at improving Pakistan’s business environment. Meetings with global credit rating agencies, commercial banks, and Middle Eastern investment banks are also on his agenda.
During his US trip, Aurangzeb will address various investment forums, highlighting Pakistan’s economic outlook and reform agenda. He will also visit prominent US think tanks, including the Atlantic Council and the Peterson Institute for International Economics (PIIE), to share insights into the country's fiscal strategy and structural reforms.
