NZ envoy pushes B2B links

Federal Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb met David Pine, New Zealand's High Commissioner-designate to Pakistan, according to The Express Tribune. Pine was accompanied by Avanthi Kalansooriya, the High Commission's policy and public affairs adviser, and Moin M Fudda, Honorary Consul General of New Zealand for Pakistan. The talks covered bilateral ties, trade and investment, with both sides looking at ways to deepen economic cooperation.

Pine welcomed Pakistan's recent Eurobond issue as a successful step and praised progress on macroeconomic stability and economic reforms. He also said New Zealand wants to broaden its links across South Asia, with Pakistan included. Pine urged companies from both countries to form direct links and identify practical commercial opportunities, and he supported more frequent trade talks to deal with obstacles.

Aurangzeb said the priority now is keeping reforms on track while aiming for investment, exports, job creation and durable growth. He argued that the private sector should take the lead in widening commercial ties, with the state providing the wider framework, and that formal trade deals could speed up existing business. The talks also covered the large cohort of Pakistani students and scholars in New Zealand, especially in agriculture-linked disciplines, and how their training can be put to work in Pakistan.