Islamabad – Acting US Ambassador Elizabeth Horst met with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday to discuss strengthening economic and trade relations between the two nations. The meeting, held at the Finance Division, emphasized continued US support for Pakistan’s reform agenda and explored new avenues for bilateral investment and collaboration.
Horst, who recently assumed charge as the top US diplomat in Pakistan, commended the country’s economic recovery and reform efforts. She reiterated Washington’s commitment to enhancing trade ties, particularly in non-traditional sectors like IT, minerals, and agriculture. Aurangzeb acknowledged the US as Pakistan’s largest trading partner and shared insights from his recent meetings with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer in Washington.
The finance minister briefed Horst on Pakistan’s improving macroeconomic indicators, including sovereign rating upgrades and investor confidence. He outlined the government’s focus on taxation and energy reforms to ensure long-term growth. Additionally, Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s successful entry into Middle Eastern capital markets, plans for its first Panda bond, and future Euro/US dollar market ventures.
The discussions concluded with a shared commitment to expanding economic and political cooperation. This follows recent high-level engagements, including COAS Gen Asim Munir’s White House meeting and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s talks with US officials. With both nations seeking to diversify their partnership, the meeting signals a positive trajectory for US-Pakistan relations.