Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb revealed plans to issue yuan-denominated panda bonds in June, aiming to raise between $200 million and $250 million from Chinese investors.
The move is part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to diversify its financing base and strengthen its capital market integration with China.
In an exclusive interview with the South China Morning Post, Aurangzeb highlighted the crucial importance of this initiative for the country’s financial stability.
He also reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthen cooperation with China on the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
The minister also seeks to strengthen trade relations with Hong Kong. Ahead of his meeting with Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu, Aurangzeb shared his intention to explore opportunities for Pakistani companies to establish joint ventures and secondary listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX). He believes this will help attract both foreign investment to Pakistan and facilitate foreign investment.
The Finance Minister’s visit coincides with the two-day Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong, where he will discuss further avenues of collaboration, including the possibility of a Hong Kong delegation visiting Pakistan to explore new areas of business.
Historically, Pakistani companies have preferred secondary listings on the London Stock Exchange, but Aurangzeb highlighted that Hong Kong’s reputation for raising international capital offers significant untapped potential for Pakistani companies.
