WASHINGTON: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb had a luncheon meeting with the leadership and members of the US-Pakistan Business Council (USPBC) in Washington.

During the interaction, the Finance Minister acknowledged contributions by US-Pakistan Business Council in strengthening trade and investment ties between Pakistan and the United States.

He expressed the confidence that the presence of over 80 US enterprises in Pakistan reflects the profit potential of a 240 million strong market. He invited US firms to take advantage of the government’s investment-friendly policies and the one-window facility offered by the Special Investment Facilitation Council.

The Finance Minister recalled the Prime Minister’s invitation for USPBC to lead a business delegation to Pakistan this year, which would provide opportunities to explore mutually beneficial partnerships.

Muhammad Aurangzeb addressed questions from US companies operating in Pakistan, and assured them of full support in this regard.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attended a series of investor fora organized by Citibank, Standard Chartered, and JP Morgan in Washington during his visit to the United States.

During these interactions, he briefed the investors on the economy’s performance for the last fiscal year.

The Minister expressed satisfaction that all economic indicators were moving in the right direction. He highlighted key reforms in taxation, energy, SOEs, privatization, and right-sizing of the government.

Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasized the role of provincial governments in raising the tax-to-GDP ratio and discussed the National Fiscal Pact signed by the Federal Government.  He also touched on reforms being carried out in the FBR related to people, processes, and technology.

Additionally, the Minister addressed investor questions about the Sovereign Wealth Fund, Special Economic Zones, and Power Purchase Agreements being negotiated with Chinese IPPs.