Overview
- Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and World Bank Managing Director Anna Bjerde reviewed the Country Partnership Framework and agreed on tighter implementation across energy, education, health, climate resilience and fiscal reforms.
- World Bank President Ajay Banga assured Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz of continued support for climate resilience, digital governance, health, education and housing, reinforcing provincial delivery under the CPF.
- Saudi Economy Minister Faisal bin Fadhil Alibrahim praised Pakistan’s AI and tech talent and discussed structured talent pipelines, GCC FTA progress and private investment opportunities including Wafi’s entry into downstream oil and gas.
- Pakistan emphasized a shift in Saudi ties from aid to trade and investment, citing active interest in mining, IT, agriculture and tourism and growing partnerships between Pakistani tech firms and Saudi counterparts.
- At an IMF–Saudi roundtable, Aurangzeb reported primary surpluses, a narrower fiscal deficit near 5.4% of GDP, debt around 70% of GDP and a tax-to-GDP ratio near 12%, while urging stronger global coordination on sovereign debt risks.