Government highlights improving economic indicators
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said Pakistan’s economy is expected to grow by four percent in the current fiscal year, citing improving macroeconomic indicators. He made these remarks while inaugurating the first EU-Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad, organised by the European Union in collaboration with the government.
Moreover, the forum brought together around 1,000 policymakers, investors, and business leaders from Europe and Pakistan. Aurangzeb presented an overview of economic progress, noting a significant improvement compared to last year. He highlighted that the current account recorded a surplus exceeding $1 billion in March, reflecting stabilisation.
In addition, the minister pointed to strong performance in IT exports, value-added sectors, and rising remittances. He also said foreign exchange reserves could reach $18 billion by June, ensuring three months of import cover.
At the same time, data from the National Accounts Committee showed economic growth of 3.89 percent in the October-December quarter, up from 2.18 percent a year earlier.
Forum aims to deepen trade and investment ties
Meanwhile, officials emphasised that the EU remains Pakistan’s largest export destination, particularly under the GSP+ framework. Haroon Akhtar Khan stressed that future cooperation should extend beyond trade to include investment and technology partnerships.
Furthermore, EU Ambassador Raimundas Karoblis highlighted the goal of transforming trade ties into long-term investments. The forum also launched the EU-Pakistan Business Network, bringing together over 300 European companies operating in Pakistan.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif separately met EU officials and reaffirmed commitment to strengthening economic ties despite regional challenges.
