Islamabad (Commerce Desk) — Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb hosted a luncheon in honour of a Dutch business and investor delegation visiting Pakistan under the leadership of the Founders Carbon Network. Discussions focused on investment opportunities and promoting bilateral economic cooperation.
The delegation was accompanied by Robert-Jan Siegert, the Netherlands’ ambassador to Pakistan. The luncheon was attended by the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Privatisation, the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, the Commerce Secretary and senior officials from the Ministry of Finance.
Welcoming the delegation, the finance minister appreciated the participants’ interest in Pakistan and emphasised the importance of strengthening connections, mutual understanding and economic cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.
Muhammad Aurangzeb said that continued engagement between the business communities of both countries would help identify viable investment opportunities, promote joint ventures and enhance investor confidence.
Referring to Pakistan’s improving economic situation, he said it was essential to translate the benefits of economic stability into productive investment, capital formation, export growth and private-sector-led development.
According to the finance minister, the next phase of growth would require a focus on increasing exports, improving productivity and creating new employment opportunities. This would require sustained structural reforms and encouragement of private investment.
He said the government’s key economic priorities included maintaining economic stability, strengthening the fiscal and external sectors, achieving sustainable and inclusive growth, implementing structural reforms, promoting trade and investment to reduce dependence on aid, improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises, agriculture and housing, and harnessing digital technology.
Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves had risen to a record high of $21.4 billion, sufficient to cover approximately three months of imports. He said sustaining these gains and strengthening the domestic economy against external economic shocks were essential for investor confidence and sustainable growth.
The finance minister identified rapid population growth and climate change as two major challenges facing Pakistan, saying that addressing them would require sustained policy attention and coordinated reforms.
Discussing opportunities for cooperation between Pakistan and the Netherlands, he said Dutch expertise, advanced technology and investment could help Pakistan achieve its development priorities. According to him, public-private partnerships were important for mobilising private capital, benefiting from specialised expertise and turning investment opportunities into viable projects.
The Prime Minister’s Adviser on Privatisation reaffirmed the government’s commitment to increasing private-sector participation through privatisation and public-private partnerships. He said these initiatives aimed to improve efficiency, attract investment and create new opportunities for the private sector in commercial activities.
The Governor of the State Bank highlighted the importance of economic stability, strengthening the external sector and financial reforms. He also emphasised the role of the Trade Facilitation Board in removing trade barriers and improving coordination among relevant institutions.
The Dutch business delegation shared its views on Pakistan’s business environment and bilateral cooperation. The meeting also discussed identifying areas of mutual interest, strengthening business ties and promoting viable partnerships.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed a shared interest in translating business connections between the two countries into investment, trade and long-term economic partnerships. The government also reaffirmed its commitment to providing a conducive environment for international investors and increasing private-sector participation in Pakistan’s economic development.