Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has appreciated China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s engagements with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart on the sidelines of the World Bank-IMF Spring Meetings 2026 in Washington.
In the meeting with Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an, Aurangzeb expressed gratitude for Beijing’s “long-standing and unwavering bilateral support” and specifically thanked China’s Executive Director at the IMF for facilitating Pakistan’s programme reviews.
Finance Minister Meets Chinese Finance Minister, Reaffirms Strategic Partnership and Economic Cooperation
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held an important meeting with H.E. Mr. Lan Fo’an, Minister of Finance of the People’s Republic of… pic.twitter.com/NfZTOB3jfG
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) April 17, 2026
Aurangzeb briefed his Chinese counterpart on Pakistan’s performance under the IMF programme, highlighting the successful conclusion of the staff-level agreement for the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF). He noted that formal approval by the IMF Executive Board is expected in early May.
The minister also provided an update on Pakistan’s plans for its inaugural Panda bond issuance, aimed at diversifying financing sources and deepening engagement with international capital markets. He requested expedited approval from China’s National Association of Financial Market Institutional Investors (NAFMII).
Aurangzeb further appreciated China’s recognition of Pakistan’s active role in promoting regional dialogue and stability. He conveyed Pakistan’s “full and unconditional support” for the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Development Bank, especially as Pakistan prepares to assume the SCO presidency in September.
Finance Minister Meets Moody’s, Discusses Economic Outlook and Market Re-entry Strategy
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a constructive meeting with representatives of Moody’s on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026.… pic.twitter.com/Lv0zoYvMHe
— Ministry of Finance, Government of Pakistan (@Financegovpk) April 17, 2026
Separately, Aurangzeb met with Moody’s representatives and briefed them on Pakistan’s external financing position, successful Eurobond repayments, and the recent financial support from Saudi Arabia. He outlined the government’s medium-term strategy to re-access international capital markets through instruments such as a new Eurobond and a dollar-settled rupee-linked bond.
He also held discussions with the Governor of the People’s Bank of China, Dr Pan Gongsheng, where he reiterated appreciation for China’s support and requested assistance in expediting the Panda bond process. Pan invited Aurangzeb to visit Beijing in the near future.
Aurangzeb additionally participated in a JP Morgan Investment Seminar on “Pakistan: Economic and Monetary Policy Outlook,” where he engaged with global investors alongside State Bank Governor Jameel Ahmad.
On Thursday, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva commended Pakistan’s “continued progress on economic reforms” and the resulting macroeconomic stability during a meeting with Aurangzeb.
The finance minister is participating in over 50 high-level engagements during the Spring Meetings from April 13 to 18, with a strong focus on reform continuity, debt sustainability, social protection, and private-sector-led growth amid global economic uncertainty caused by the Middle East conflict.
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