Finance Minister to attend Boao Forum 2025 in China

Pakistan’s Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, is set to attend the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2025 in China today (Tuesday), where he will take part in high-level discussions on Pakistan’s economic outlook. The four-day conference will provide a platform for engaging with global economic leaders and stakeholders.

The Boao Forum for Asia (BFA), headquartered in China, is an international organization established by 29 member states to promote economic integration across Asia. Held annually in Boao, Hainan, the forum serves as a key platform for economic cooperation and policy discussions.

This year’s conference, running from March 25-28, is themed “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future.” The forum aims to reinforce multilateralism, encourage economic openness, and address global challenges, all while keeping Asia at the center of discussions.

According to Radio Pakistan, Aurangzeb will present Pakistan’s economic landscape during high-level sessions at the forum. He will also hold meetings with officials from commercial and investment banks, senior Chinese authorities, and representatives from various participating nations. Additionally, he is expected to engage with select members of international and Chinese media.

Pakistan’s participation comes at a time when the country is struggling to navigate a macroeconomic crisis characterized by depleting foreign exchange reserves, currency depreciation, and rising debt.

In 2023, Pakistan narrowly avoided a sovereign default after securing a last-minute agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In 2024, the country secured a $7 billion economic bailout from the IMF, committing to key financial reforms in exchange for the support.

To address its economic challenges, Pakistan has been actively seeking investment and trade opportunities with regional allies, including China, Central Asian states, and Middle Eastern nations.

China remains one of Pakistan’s strongest economic partners, having pledged over $65 billion in investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). This initiative, part of the broader Belt and Road Initiative, focuses on infrastructure development and connectivity across the region.