UK Stands as Strong Partner in Pakistan’s Growth, Says Jane Marriott

Islamabad,  – Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, met with British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG OBE, at the Finance Division to discuss regional developments, Pakistan’s macroeconomic outlook, and opportunities for enhanced bilateral economic cooperation.7ba561
During the meeting, Aurangzeb outlined the government’s proactive measures to address potential economic fallout from ongoing regional tensions, including the formation of a high-level committee involving key ministries and the State Bank of Pakistan. This body is tasked with daily monitoring of critical sectors like energy supplies and global commodity markets, evaluating supply chains, price fluctuations, and risks to petroleum, crude oil, coal, and gas.a5525b He assured that Pakistan holds sufficient reserves and supply agreements, with scenario planning underway to mitigate prolonged disruptions affecting inflation, external accounts, and financial stability.ea133c
The minister also updated Marriott on Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and its engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) under the current program. He emphasized commitments to structural reforms in tax policy, revenue mobilization, governance, and transparency, including data-driven enforcement to broaden the tax base.0fc9dd Aurangzeb highlighted positive macroeconomic indicators, such as 3.7% growth in the first fiscal quarter, driven by large-scale manufacturing and agricultural resilience, signaling a shift toward sustainable and inclusive growth while tackling unemployment and poverty.10080a
Marriott praised the government’s reform efforts and reaffirmed the UK’s role as a steadfast partner in Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability and long-term development, including support for private sector initiatives and technical cooperation.ebe78e She stressed the need to boost investor confidence in sectors like mining and minerals, underscoring stability, governance, and sustainable practices to draw international investments.05a720
Both sides committed to deepening Pakistan-UK ties, focusing on economic reforms, private sector-led growth, and shared priorities.1656ed This engagement aligns with ongoing bilateral dialogues, as seen in recent meetings emphasizing digitization, climate resilience, and governance support through programs like REMIT.88c990