ISLAMABAD:
US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome on Tuesday reiterated his country’s commitment to continuing to support Pakistan’s economic reforms and growth, appreciating the strong and long-standing relationship between the two countries.
Ambassador Blome paid a farewell visit to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, according to a press release issued by the Ministry of Finance. During the meeting, both sides discussed issues of mutual interest with a focus on economic cooperation and bilateral relations.
“The meeting concluded on a positive note, with both sides expressing their desire to further strengthen bilateral relations, especially in the areas of trade and economic collaboration,” the statement said. Blome reiterated the United States’ commitment to supporting Pakistan’s economic reforms and growth, he added.
During the meeting, Aurangzeb briefed the ambassador on Pakistan’s economic prospects, emphasizing the government’s reform agenda aimed at achieving macroeconomic stability and ending the boom-bust cycle through export-led growth.
He highlighted key sectors of the economy, where reforms were being carried out to foster sustainable growth. He thanked the United States for its support in facilitating the signing of the Stand-by Arrangement (SBA) and the subsequent Extended Fund Facility (ESAF) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Aurangzeb also recognized the critical role of the United States as Pakistan’s largest trading partner and an important market for Pakistani goods and services. He highlighted the promising prospects of improving trade in the IT and digital services sectors, with both countries set to benefit from closer economic ties.
Separately, according to another press release issued by the ministry, Senator Aurangzeb met Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and stressed the importance of strong diplomacy and economic cooperation.
Aurangzeb highlighted the significant progress made on the economic front, especially the growing confidence of businesses and investors in Pakistan. The minister also emphasized the need for broader economic partnerships in Pakistan’s expanding economy.
During the meeting, which was also attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs, Syed Tariq Fatemi, Ambassador Hashmi briefed the Finance Minister about the ongoing efforts to further strengthen bilateral relations between Pakistan and China, according to the press release. (WITH INPUT FROM THE APP)
