Washington: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has extended an invitation to Turkish investors and businessmen to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, particularly focusing on the dairy, cheese, and livestock sectors. This invitation was extended during his talks with the Finance Minister of Turkiye, Mehmet SimSek, on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings.

According to Radio Pakistan, Muhammad Aurangzeb highlighted the enduring historical ties between Pakistan and Turkiye and emphasized the significant potential for enhanced trade and investment between the two nations. He acknowledged the current level of bilateral trade and investment as being below its potential, signaling a call for increased economic collaboration.

The Minister expressed appreciation for the Turkish government’s policy of supporting high-tech sectors, noting its role in fostering innovation and promoting value addition. In a separate meeting with Queen M¡xima of the Netherlands, Aurangzeb stressed the importance of expanding digital access and enhancing data sharing to accelerate financial inclusion initiatives. He highlighted the progress made in the financial inclusion of Pakistani women, specifically through the National Financial Inclusion Strategy, supported by international partners.

Aurangzeb underscored that the education, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and empowerment of women and girls remain top priorities for Pakistan. In another meeting with Jin Liqun, President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Aurangzeb conveyed Pakistan’s eagerness to maintain the current engagement momentum with the Bank. He expressed gratitude for AIIB’s longstanding support of Pakistan’s socio-economic development and discussed future development projects and the inaugural issuance of Panda Bond within the year.