Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, held a meeting with Chief Executive Officer of the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC), Engineer Adeeb Y. Al Aama, on the sidelines of the World Bank Group-IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.

During the meeting, they discussed financing cooperation and trade development.

The Finance Minister highlighted Pakistan’s economic progress, stronger reserves and renewed access to international capital markets.

Both sides reviewed the remaining financing tranche and discussed aligning borrowing costs with improved market conditions.

They agreed that technical teams would explore pricing and financing-volume adjustments to find a mutually acceptable solution.

The Finance Minister further outlined efforts to replace costly, short-term borrowing with longer-maturity financing without increasing external debt.

Discussions also covered digital product passports to support textile exports to the European Union and single-window connectivity to facilitate ASEAN trade.

Both sides reaffirmed their long-term partnership and commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s export competitiveness.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met with the leadership of Alibaba International Digital Commerce in Bangkok, Thailand to review cooperation on Pakistan's digital economy.

Discussions covered digital payments, a cashless economy and transparent delivery of social protection payments and targeted subsidies.

The Finance Minister appreciated Alibaba's support for SMEs, local brands and exports through Daraz and Alibaba.com.

He also invited proposals to rationalize e-commerce taxation, balancing fairness with broader tax participation.

Both sides discussed accelerating the Pakistan Single Window e-commerce platform and improving the tracking of cross-border payments and export proceeds.

Cooperation on cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence and tax administration was also reviewed, with emphasis on integrated data systems, cybersecurity and institutional capacity.

The two sides also explored modernizing Pakistan Post's sorting systems and expanding agricultural exports to China through Alibaba's retail network.

Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, also met with UN Deputy Secretary-General Ms. Amina Mohammed in Bangkok.

During the meeting, they reviewed development financing, debt and climate resilience.

The Finance Minister discussed strengthening the Borrowers’ Forum through peer learning, continuity in governance and an effective virtual Secretariat.

He emphasized a stronger Global South voice and more responsive international financial institutions.

Both sides stressed adequate financing for the Sustainable Development Goals, poverty reduction, social protection and decent jobs.

Discussions also covered climate financing gaps, simpler access to funds and stronger capacity to prepare bankable projects.

The Finance Minister also highlighted local currency financing to reduce exchange rate risks, alongside accountable domestic policymaking.

He thanked Ms. Amina for appreciating Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the recent US-Iran crisis.