Aurangzeb Reaffirms Stability, Meets Banks and UNDP Chief

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to macroeconomic stability and reforms during a series of meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, on the sidelines of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings.

Ajman Bank

Discussions covered prospective Sukuk issuances, rupee-denominated and dollar-settled instruments, and diversification of funding sources. Aurangzeb appreciated the bank’s interest in expanding cooperation and welcomed its participation and advice on future financing transactions.

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

He discussed Pakistan’s economic outlook, financing and investment opportunities, highlighting refinery upgrades, privatisation, airport outsourcing, electricity transmission and the ML-1 railway. He also pointed to progress under the IMF programme, fiscal consolidation, stronger reserves and the commitment to sustainable export-led growth.

UNDP Administrator Alexander De Croo

Aurangzeb emphasised strengthening implementation capacity to turn available financing and policy frameworks into bankable projects. He highlighted private sector-led job creation, cash-flow-based lending, digital finance, and guarantees for small businesses and farmers.

Sharjah Islamic Bank

He highlighted improved fiscal and external indicators, stronger foreign exchange reserves, credit rating upgrades and IMF programme progress. The two sides also discussed building capital market benchmarks through issuances by financial institutions and expanding lending to businesses, SMEs and agriculture.