Pakistan, ADB deepen reform partnership with focus on private sector

Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank explored how to strengthen their partnership on structural reforms, private-sector growth and access to finance, according to Mettis Global. The talks on September 2, 2026, involved Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb and ADB Vice President Yingming Yang. Yang noted Pakistan's recent gains in macroeconomic stabilisation, fiscal management and the external account, and praised the stronger sovereign ratings the country has received.

Minister Aurangzeb said the government is shifting from macroeconomic stabilisation toward sustainable and inclusive growth, with investment, exports, jobs and wider private-sector participation as priorities. The discussion gave particular attention to widening SME access to credit and funding, which the government regards as vital for employment, investment and exports. Both sides also looked at integrating SMEs into global value chains and raising their competitiveness.

Aurangzeb welcomed the ADB's widening role beyond traditional sovereign lending, including its growing backing for private-sector projects and public-private partnerships. The meeting also covered the insurance transformation programme, pension reforms and steps to build project preparation capacity. Yang said ADB was ready to expand private-sector and SME financing support, while stressing fiscal discipline.