ISLAMABAD: A high-level delegation from Acumen, led by Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ms. Jacqueline Novogratz, met Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb to discuss investment opportunities, climate resilience, and ongoing economic reforms in Pakistan. The delegation, comprising Acumen’s Global Board members and international investors, included Mr. Poul Carsten Stendevad, President and Chief Investment Officer; Dr. Ayesha Khan, CEO Acumen Pakistan; and other senior executives. Welcoming the delegation, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb appreciated Acumen’s engagement in agriculture and climate resilience. ONLINE
He briefed them on Pakistan’s macroeconomic stability, structural reforms in taxation and energy, and the government’s target to raise the tax-to-GDP ratio to 11 percent through AI-driven digital integration.
The Minister highlighted measures to improve the investment climate, lower energy and financing costs, and promote public–private partnerships. He cited recent international visits to China, Saudi Arabia, and the United States, where strategic partners reaffirmed support for Pakistan’s economic growth.
He noted the signing of 24 new joint ventures in China and provided updates on State-Owned Enterprise reforms, including the final-stage privatization of PIA, outsourcing of Islamabad International Airport, and upcoming privatization of power distribution companies.
Aurangzeb reaffirmed the government’s commitment to an export-led growth model and responsible fiscal management, while encouraging private sector leadership in driving economic expansion. He shared plans to issue Pakistan’s first Panda Bond and to access global financial markets, alongside efforts to digitize all government payments by fiscal year-end.
Discussing existential challenges, the Minister emphasized climate change and population growth, calling for decarbonization, child nutrition, girls’ education, and poverty reduction under Pakistan’s Country Partnership Framework with the World Bank.
He also highlighted the clearance of foreign profit repatriation backlogs and successful $500 million Eurobond repayment as signs of restored macroeconomic confidence.
Ms. Jacqueline Novogratz reaffirmed Acumen’s long-term commitment to Pakistan, praising its young talent and entrepreneurial potential. She emphasized continued investment in climate-smart agriculture, energy, and poverty reduction, noting progress on the $90 million Agriculture Resilience Fund focused on sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.
