Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that not trading with neighboring countries, like India, doesn’t make sense. At a press conference in Washington, he acknowledged that while political and geopolitical issues are beyond his role, Pakistan is already engaging with its neighbors. He highlighted regional trade through organizations like SAARC and Pakistan’s attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and interest in joining BRICS to expand trade.
Aurangzeb, attending IMF and World Bank meetings, shared that international leaders and rating agencies have recognized Pakistan’s economic progress, especially in lowering inflation. He also reported that foreign exchange reserves now exceed $11 billion. US businesses are interested in investing, and lenders have agreed to a one-window process for projects in Pakistan.