ISLAMABAD: In a bid to deepen bilateral cooperation in Pakistan’s emerging mining sector, Critical Minerals Forum (US) Chairman Robert Louis Strayer II and US Charge d’Affairs Natalie Baker met with Finance and Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in the exploration of critical minerals, ensuring supply chain security and promoting responsible and sustainable investments to unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral potential.
Both sides expressed their commitment to continued engagement and collaboration in the mining sector, in line with Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and shared sustainable development goals.
The minister welcomed the delegation and highlighted Pakistan’s stable economic trajectory, noting improvements in macroeconomic fundamentals and governance reforms.
“Our priority is fundamental fiscal hygiene, strengthening the discipline in which capital enters, stays invested and is secured through sound policies,” he said.
“This foundation is now resulting in improved confidence and positive signals from international rating agencies. »
The minister said Pakistan had embarked on deep structural reforms, including restructuring of the power sector, reforms in tax administration, broadening of the tax base and a road map for fiscal sustainability.
He noted that the government was separating tax policy and administration functions by establishing a dedicated tax policy unit within the Ministry of Finance to ensure improved governance and efficiency.
“The 24 state-owned enterprises were referred to the Privatization Commission as part of the government’s commitment to improving service delivery and strengthening fiscal discipline,” he said.
The minister also highlighted Pakistan’s strengthened geopolitical and economic partnerships, saying Pakistan today stands at the constructive intersection of global relations, new impetus in Pakistan-US relations, time-tested relations with China and forward-looking strategic cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He said Pakistan’s mining sector represents a transformational opportunity.
“This provides Pakistan with a pathway to transition from consumption-driven cycles to export-led growth. A strong minerals policy framework will help Pakistan break the cycle of periodic balance of payments pressures and reduce its future dependence on multilateral support.”
Strayer explained that the Critical Minerals Forum, funded by the U.S. government, works globally to support safe and transparent mineral supply chains for U.S. industry, particularly in emerging markets.
He said the Forum focused on rare and niche metals, including copper and antimony, and aimed to de-risk investments from a financial and security perspective.
He reiterated the Forum’s commitment to supporting technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and investor confidence in the U.S. private sector.
The US delegation observed that the United States viewed Pakistan’s talents in science, engineering and mathematics as a competitive asset and recognized Pakistan’s potential to become a future hub for the development of critical minerals.
The charge d’affaires noted the embassy’s support for US trade engagement in Pakistan and highlighted the importance of ensuring strong investor confidence and favorable regulatory frameworks in the minerals sector.
The minister said Pakistan was working on important legal and regulatory reforms and would welcome structured proposals from the Critical Minerals Forum.
“We encourage you to come back with a detailed collaboration framework. Pakistan will evaluate it with a view to facilitating responsible investments and ensuring mutual benefits,” he said.
