UK offers Pakistan technical assistance on trade and investment reform

The United Kingdom has offered technical assistance to support Pakistan's investment, trade and private-sector reforms, according to a finance ministry statement issued after the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, called on the Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.

The statement said the two sides discussed Pakistan's reform priorities, with particular emphasis on fiscal management, tax administration, digitalisation, expenditure efficiency, trade and investment promotion, public investment and public-private partnerships. The High Commissioner was accompanied by Development Director Sam Waldock and Senior Economist Louie Dane.

Aurangzeb was quoted as saying that Pakistan had moved from stabilisation towards sustainable, inclusive and responsible growth, with increasing emphasis on productivity, investment, exports and jobs. He stressed the importance of effective coordination across institutions to ensure consistent implementation and a more predictable environment for businesses and investors.

According to the statement, Marriott highlighted the UK's continued interest in supporting Pakistan's economic transformation through technical assistance aimed at strengthening the institutional and policy framework for investment, trade and private-sector development. She also appreciated the issuance of Pakistan's $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond, which the statement described as significant for investor confidence and international market access.

On public-private partnerships, Aurangzeb noted the need for stronger project preparation, commercially sound structures and institutional capacity to support transactions, and the British side expressed interest in backing those efforts with technical expertise, including at provincial level. The two sides also exchanged views on opportunities in the aviation sector, including potential international financing and investment: Marriott pointed to the potential role of UK companies and diaspora networks in supporting the growth and internationalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises, while the finance minister said relevant technical and commercial considerations would guide the process.