WASHINGTON DC, April 23: The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC hosted a high-profile economic dialogue on the sidelines of the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, convening Pakistan’s economic leadership, global financial institutions, and key U.S. corporate stakeholders.
The event highlighted Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic stability and investment potential, positioning it as an emerging market for global investors.
Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, delivering the keynote address, underscored the private sector’s central role in driving Pakistan’s growth, framing the government’s function as an enabler through policy continuity. Calling this a “mindset and societal change,” he likened the shift to the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence. He also identified population growth and climate change as critical long-term challenges requiring collaborative investment solutions.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, in his welcome remarks, pitched Pakistan as a 250 million-strong market strategically located at the crossroads of Central and South Asia. He emphasised the country’s progress on economic reforms, its digital economy potential, and mineral resources, announcing plans for recurring engagements with U.S. businesses.
Corporate leaders echoed this optimism. Jazz CEO Amir Ibrahim lauded macroeconomic stabilisation and highlighted the firm’s evolution into a digital platform reaching over 100 million Pakistanis. Christos Harpantidis of Philip Morris International pointed to a stable economic environment behind the company’s $800 million investment in Pakistan, with plans for expansion.
Husnain Aslam, CEO of TRG, stressed the potential for IT export growth, backed by Pakistan’s young workforce and strong telecom backbone.
Multilateral institutions also expressed confidence. World Bank South Asia Vice President Martin Raiser commended Pakistan’s fiscal and exchange rate reforms and reiterated support through its $40 billion Country Partnership Framework. IMF Executive Director Bahadur Bijani credited the country’s economic leadership for restoring stability and called for safeguarding these gains.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior VP Charles Freeman announced an upcoming trade delegation visit to Pakistan—the first in seven years—signalling renewed business interest amid enhanced transparency and economic predictability.
The dialogue concluded with Finance Minister Aurangzeb engaging directly with corporate leaders, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to creating an investor-friendly ecosystem.
