ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb held discussions with Deutsche Bank’s Regional CEO for the Middle East and Africa, Jamal Al Kishi, on Pakistan’s economic outlook, investment prospects and opportunities for expanding the bank’s engagement in the country.
Al Kishi was accompanied by Deutsche Bank’s Country Manager for Pakistan, Ali Haider Zaidi.
During the meeting, the finance minister briefed the Deutsche Bank delegation on the government’s economic reform agenda, highlighting progress in fiscal consolidation, the external account and overall macroeconomic stability. He said the government was working to institutionalise structural reforms and put the economy on a sustainable, export-led growth path.
Aurangzeb also pointed to the improved assessment of Pakistan’s credit profile by international rating agencies and development partners, describing it as an important milestone in strengthening the country’s access to international markets.
Al Kishi congratulated the finance minister and his team on the progress achieved over the past two years, particularly in fiscal consolidation, balance-of-payments management, exports and remittances. He said the improvements had created a stronger foundation for sustainable economic growth.
The two sides also discussed Pakistan’s medium-term external financing strategy. Aurangzeb outlined government efforts to diversify the composition of external debt while expanding engagement with international capital markets and financial institutions. He said ongoing reforms were creating additional fiscal space and stressed the need to broaden access to diversified sources of external financing.
The finance minister also highlighted opportunities for increased foreign investment, particularly from Saudi Arabia and other regional markets. He identified infrastructure, energy, oil and gas, utilities, mining and minerals, technology and blockchain among sectors offering significant investment potential.
Aurangzeb emphasised the importance of greater private-sector participation and encouraged stronger engagement by Saudi-based multinational companies seeking investment opportunities in Pakistan.
Al Kishi reaffirmed Deutsche Bank’s long-term commitment to Pakistan and expressed interest in expanding the bank’s product offerings and coverage in corporate and investment banking. He said the bank was looking to develop a broader appetite for Pakistani exposure and further strengthen its presence in the country.
The Deutsche Bank executive also highlighted opportunities to facilitate greater business and investment links between Pakistan and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, particularly Saudi Arabia, and to explore financing opportunities in key sectors of the Pakistani economy.
Aurangzeb welcomed Deutsche Bank’s continued engagement, saying sustained cooperation with international financial institutions and private-sector partners would be critical to mobilising investment, deepening financial markets and supporting Pakistan’s long-term economic growth.
