Pakistan eyes US energy imports, Boeing aircraft financing

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb discussed expanding energy purchases from the United States with US Ambassador Yon from the State Department, on the margins of the IMF and World Bank annual gathering in Bangkok, according to Business Recorder. Talks also covered financing for Boeing aircraft purchases and aviation clearances. The framing centred on diversifying supplies and keeping fuel available as geopolitical strain in the Middle East grows.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, Aurangzeb reviewed progress on a trade framework agreement and on energy diversification through greater US imports. He also described steps to keep fuel flowing and to protect vulnerable consumers. Other items on the agenda included AML/CFT arrangements, FATF follow-up, and backing for investment from the US Development Finance Corporation and EXIM Bank.

In a separate meeting, Aurangzeb held talks with S&P Global Ratings on the country's economic performance and its sovereign credit outlook. He highlighted a successful September bond sale that drew wide investor interest, as well as advances in the IMF programme. Aurangzeb noted that S&P placed weight on policy continuity and reform implementation, along with a lighter interest bill and sturdier external buffers. He also set out the ambition of moving into the double-B rating category.