Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb underlined Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development during a high-level discussion at the World Economic Forum (WEF) on global debt challenges facing developing economies.
Aurangzeb highlighted efforts to reduce public spending and debt servicing, noting that the debt-to-GDP ratio had fallen from 78% to 67%. “Pakistan aims to address increasing population, poverty and environmental problems while pursuing sustainable economic growth,” he said.
The minister discussed Pakistan’s 10-year partnership program with the World Bank and shared plans to promote business-to-business engagement during the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
“Chinese companies will be encouraged to shift manufacturing units to Pakistan, potentially making it a hub for exports,” he added.
On the sidelines of the WEF meeting, Aurangzeb met Anita Zaidi, Chair of Gender Equality at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Discussions focused on collaborative efforts to improve nutrition, health and polio eradication in Pakistan. The minister reiterated the government’s dedication to promoting these initiatives through a strengthened partnership with the foundation.
