Bangkok:Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with Ambassador Yon from the U.S. State Department during the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting focused on enhancing bilateral economic cooperation, reviewing progress toward a trade framework agreement, and exploring energy diversification through increased imports from the United States.

According to Radio Pakistan, discussions also included anti-money laundering and counter-financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) arrangements, follow-up actions with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), and investment financing opportunities via the U.S. Development Finance Corporation and EXIM Bank. The Finance Minister emphasized projects such as Reko Diq, cooperation on critical minerals, project security, and the mobilization of private investments.

Additionally, the acquisition and financing of Boeing aircraft, aviation clearances, digital asset regulation, and potential applications for remittances and Eurobond tokenization were discussed. The Finance Minister also outlined measures to maintain fuel supplies and support vulnerable consumers.

In separate discussions with S and P Global Ratings, the Finance Minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to structural reforms, fiscal discipline, and sustainable export-led growth. He highlighted the successful bond issuance in September, strong investor participation, and progress under the IMF program. The briefing included updates on improved tax collections, reserve accumulation, and reduced swap and forward liabilities.

The Finance Minister expressed Pakistan's ambition to enter the double-B rating category through sustained economic improvements. Discussions with S and P Global Ratings covered topics such as agricultural income taxation, energy and food security, targeted relief, and climate resilience. He noted the agency's focus on policy continuity, reform implementation, a reduced interest burden, and stronger external buffers as important factors for future ratings.