World Bank, Pakistan Review Reforms to Boost Growth, Jobs and Investment

Federal Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met 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 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 toward effective implementation.

SME Financing Push

The proposed Growth and Jobs Operation includes measures tied to the PM's Access to Finance initiative, including a unified insolvency framework and factoring legislation. SME financing had reached Rs1.067 trillion by the end of August 2026, covering 323,987 borrowers, according to the Finance Division.

Reforms Across Key Sectors

Discussions also covered the pharmaceutical, medical products, and agricultural sectors, including seed registration, deregulation of selected commodities, and skills development with international recognition of Pakistani qualifications. The two sides also reviewed Pakistan's National Tariff Policy and future tariff reforms aimed at boosting exports and global value chain integration.

Tax and Capital Market Reforms

The talks covered World Bank technical assistance for tax policy and Pakistan's Medium-Term Revenue Strategy, including GST harmonisation and federal-provincial data sharing, alongside support for a roadmap to develop Pakistan's domestic capital markets.

Separately, Pakistan-UK Talks

Aurangzeb also met British High Commissioner Jane Marriott to discuss economic reform priorities and UK-Pakistan trade cooperation. Marriott praised Pakistan's recent $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond issuance as significant for investor confidence, while Aurangzeb said Pakistan had moved from stabilisation toward sustainable, inclusive growth.