Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met Chinese Finance Minister Lan Fo’an in Washington on the sidelines of the World Bank–IMF Spring Meetings 2026. He appreciated China’s continued support for Pakistan at the IMF and acknowledged the constructive role of China’s Executive Director in programme discussions.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen economic cooperation and deepen the strategic partnership. Aurangzeb briefed the Chinese side on Pakistan’s progress under the IMF programme. He noted that Pakistan had completed a Staff-Level Agreement for the third review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the second review under the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF), with IMF Executive Board approval expected in early May.
He also highlighted improvements in Pakistan’s external position. According to him, the country successfully repaid a $1.4 billion Eurobond. In addition, Pakistan secured further financial support from Saudi Arabia to stabilize reserves.
Saudi Arabia committed $3 billion in additional deposits, the ministry said earlier. The government expects disbursement within the coming week. The existing $5 billion deposit will now be extended for a longer period instead of annual rollover terms.
Aurangzeb also shared updates on Pakistan’s planned inaugural Panda bond. He explained that the issuance will help diversify funding sources and strengthen access to international capital markets.
He further pointed out that trade settlement in Renminbi between Pakistan and China has increased. As a result, he stressed the need to expand the currency swap arrangement to support rising trade volumes.
Both sides also discussed regional stability. Aurangzeb welcomed China’s recognition of Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue and promoting peace in the region.
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