Govt aims to position Pakistan as global hub for exports: Finance Minister Aurangzeb

Karachi (Web Desk): Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has stressed the need for Pakistan to move away from short-term, reactionary decision-making toward a visionary and reform-focused approach that ensures economic stability, renews investor trust, and lays the groundwork for long-term growth.

Speaking at the inaugural session of the ninth edition of The Future Summit in Karachi, he said the government is committed to deep structural reforms, maintaining fiscal discipline, and forging strategic alliances to redefine the nation’s economic pathway.

Aurangzeb noted that Pakistan has successfully achieved macroeconomic stability, which has been acknowledged by global financial institutions.

He pointed out that international rating agencies have improved Pakistan’s economic outlook, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has completed its second review under the ongoing support program with positive results.

Reaffirming the government’s focus on creating a conducive environment for business and innovation, he said priority will be given to critical sectors such as minerals and mining, information technology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and the blue economy.

The finance minister welcomed Google’s initiative to establish an office in Pakistan, describing it as a step that would help transform the country into a regional hub for technology and exports.

He highlighted the importance of preparing the younger generation for the future by providing them with digital and technical expertise to secure better prospects in fields like coding, blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI).

The finance minister also discussed the government’s ongoing institutional restructuring efforts, including the rationalization of federal ministries, the closure of loss-making organizations such as the Utility Stores Corporation and PASCO, and the introduction of a defined-contribution pension system for newly inducted government employees.