FM woos UAE investors amid reform, climate push

September 01, 2025 (MLN): Emphasizing Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb apprised the delegation of UAE investors that Pakistan is prioritising bankable projects to unlock financing from international lenders, including the IMF, World Bank, and Asian Development Bank.

Speaking at a meeting with business leaders led by Mohamed Baradei, Group CIO of Abu Dhabi-based EIX, Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s economic strategy hinges on investment and export-led growth, with foreign partners playing a central role.

“Pakistan’s way forward lies in investment and export-led growth, with foreign investors such as those from the UAE playing a pivotal role alongside domestic businesses,” he said, assuring full government support for UAE investments.

The minister flagged upcoming privatizations, including Pakistan International Airlines and other state assets, alongside plans to access global debt markets through the nation’s first Panda bond, followed by Euro- and dollar-denominated issuances.

He added that the government was lowering energy and financing costs for businesses while expanding the tax base to cover services, wholesale, retail, and agriculture.

Aurangzeb highlighted recent gains, including a primary surplus, single-digit inflation, stable currency, rising reserves, and stronger credit ratings.

The Karachi Stock Exchange has also attracted more than 70,000 new investors amid what he described as unprecedented market activity.

Mining opportunities such as the Reko Diq copper and gold project and new industrial and digital policies were also pitched as growth drivers.

The UAE delegation welcomed the reform push and praised Pakistan’s resilience, pointing to its infrastructure, demographics, and potential for long-term strategic investments.

“We bring not only capital but also strategic know-how,” the group said, adding that stronger flows of capital and people between the two nations would deepen economic ties.

Aurangzeb reaffirmed that Pakistan “attaches the highest importance” to its partnership with the UAE and voiced confidence that ongoing engagement would translate into concrete deals and joint ventures.

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