Pakistan eyes US EXIM funding for PIA Boeing 787s, refineries, Reko Diq

Pakistan is seeking financing from the US Export-Import Bank for Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) aircraft, refinery upgrades and the Reko Diq mining project, according to Mettis Global. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb raised these projects with the bank's chair, John Jovanovich, during his New York engagements for the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. Those talks took place on the third day of the trip, which also included the Prime Minister.

PIA has shown interest in Boeing 787 Dreamliners and requested a financing package covering both aircraft and engines. Pakistan also flagged the need for spare parts to return grounded 777 jets to service. Both sides agreed to keep building a wider cooperation framework, with aircraft pre-delivery payments among the transactions being prioritised.

On Reko Diq, Pakistan stressed the project's value for future exports and the cost of delays, and welcomed the bank's continued commitment. Separately, Aurangzeb urged Digital Cooperation Organization members to exchange effective methods and bring investment into the digital economy. Work is also under way on virtual asset rules, spanning law, supervision and licensing.