Says macroeconomic stability, ‘geopolitical tailwinds’ make Pakistan poised for growth, investment
In a virtual address at the second edition of the Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference in Karachi, Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Tuesday that Pakistan is enjoying a moment of convergence between internal economic stability and favorable international dynamics.
“Where we are as a country, we’re in a good place at this time and at this point because there’s a confluence of factors,” he said.
Federal Minister of Finance Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb says that Pakistan is moving forward with the economy of the country. pic.twitter.com/j62Q3Vtbm7
— Times of Karachi (@TOKCityOfLights) 4 November 2025
He pointed to what he described as “macroeconomic stability combined with geopolitical tailwinds” as the main driver behind this improved position.
Aurangzeb emphasized that the country’s longstanding relationship with its partners can now be transformed from mere government-to-government engagements into tangible trade and investment flows. “Our traditional partners who have helped us through thick and thin … we are in a place where we can now … move from government-to-government (G2G) discussions to trade and investment flows into the country,” he told the conference.
On global confidence in Pakistan’s economic leadership, Aurangzeb said that after a gap of two to three years, three major global rating agencies are now aligned in their views, reporting upgrades this year and offering a stable outlook. “After a gap of two to three years, we have three global credit rating agencies that are fully aligned … in terms of the upgrades we’ve seen over the course of this year, but also their outlook, which is stable for Pakistan’s economy,” he said.
He stated that the country is currently part of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program and that the recently announced staff-level agreement was evidence of international confidence in Pakistani authorities.
Blue Economy
In terms of sector strategy, Aurangzeb described the “blue economy” as a potential game-changer for Pakistan. He said the sector currently accounts for about $1 billion (0.4-0.5% of gross domestic product) [GDP]) and aims to scale significantly. “We are hovering at about 0.4 to 0.5 percent of the national gross domestic product, which is about $1 billion,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s “real potential” was as high as $3 trillion.
The minister also emphasized that policy consistency will be central to achieving these goals. “As finance minister, I want to assure you … that we will ensure that there is political consequence. Whatever we say, we will see it through the cycle. So I think that will be a very important part of how we will take this discussion forward,” he said.
He outlined plans for seafood exports, currently at approximately $500 million, to reach $2 billion over the next three to four years. “Getting it to $2 billion over the next three to four years was a very achievable milestone,” he said.
Further identified strategic pillars included the modernization of ports and logistics, digitalisation, renewable energy and innovative financing such as blue bonds and blended finance.
The remarks signal Pakistan’s intention to take advantage of a window of favorable external conditions and internal reform momentum to accelerate growth. However, ambitious targets and promises of sustained policy consistency will require careful execution, strengthened institutional frameworks and deeper market confidence.
