Pakistan Eyes Deeper Capital Market Ties With China: Finance Minister

Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a key meeting on Monday with Mr. Jing Feng, Chairman of Hongta Securities, to explore opportunities for deeper financial cooperation between Pakistan and China. During the talks, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s recent economic performance and reiterated the government’s resolve to continue structural reforms aimed at achieving sustainable and inclusive growth. Aurangzeb noted the growing confidence of international credit rating agencies in Pakistan’s economy, pointing to recent upgrades: Moody’s improved Pakistan’s rating from Caa2 to Caa1 with a stable outlook, while both Fitch and Standard & Poor’s raised their ratings from CCC+ to B- with stable outlooks. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in capital markets and enhance financial sector linkages. Aurangzeb stressed that Pakistan is diversifying its financing options and is keen to engage with leading global and Chinese institutional investors. “Pakistan is firmly committed to its reform agenda and greatly values its partnership with Chinese investors. Together, we can unlock new opportunities that will strengthen our economies and deepen our financial cooperation,” the minister said.