UK offers Pakistan technical assistance for trade and investment

Business Recorder reported that Britain has pledged expert support for Pakistan's reform drive in investment, trade and private-sector development. The offer emerged from a meeting between British High Commissioner Jane Marriott and Finance and Revenue Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, held to review economic reform priorities. A statement released on Friday also said the talks covered ways to strengthen institutions, policy and the business climate.

Aurangzeb welcomed the continued British backing for reforms through technical help, expertise and knowledge sharing. He said Pakistan has moved past stabilisation toward growth that is lasting, broad-based and responsible, with greater focus on productivity, exports and jobs. Fiscal management, tax administration, digitalisation and public investment were also discussed, and the minister stressed that coordination across institutions would support a more predictable setting for businesses and investors.

The envoy also praised the sovereign Eurobond, worth $3 billion across two tranches, saying it matters for investor confidence and access to global markets. Diaspora networks and British firms could add to private-sector development, the envoy suggested, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises looking to grow overseas. Aviation came up as well, with the British side pointing to international financing partners and the minister noting that technical and commercial factors would steer the next steps.