Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met the executive secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) in Bangkok on Monday to discuss Pakistan economic reforms and opportunities for international cooperation. The meeting took place alongside the 2026 annual meetings of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The discussions focused on Pakistan’s economic priorities and the need to sustain progress towards economic stability. Both sides explored areas where cooperation could support the country’s development goals and strengthen its long-term economic outlook.
Aurangzeb stressed that structural reforms and sustainable, export-led economic growth were essential for Pakistan. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the economy through policies that support exports and improve the country’s capacity to address long-term financial challenges.
Climate change and rapid population growth were also identified as major challenges facing Pakistan. The finance minister emphasised the need for technical assistance in disaster preparedness and early warning systems. The meeting also explored cooperation to develop practical climate-related projects that could help the country respond more effectively to environmental risks.
Digital skills development and employment generation were among the other areas discussed. Both sides considered opportunities to expand cooperation in sustainable finance and the transition towards cleaner energy. These areas are important to supporting economic development while addressing environmental and employment challenges.
The meeting also covered possible technical assistance for the State Bank of Pakistan. Such cooperation could support institutional capacity and contribute to economic policy development. However, the discussions focused on potential areas of assistance rather than announcing a specific new agreement.
Aurangzeb said policy analysis must be translated into practical measures and measurable results. His remarks highlighted the importance of implementing economic reforms effectively rather than limiting efforts to policy planning. The meeting provided an opportunity for Pakistan and ESCAP to discuss cooperation on economic stability, climate resilience, digital skills and sustainable development.
