
Pakistan Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb speaks during an interview with Reuters at his office in Islamabad, Pakistan July 19, 2024. — Reuters
In what seems to be a move indicating Pakistan's commendable strides in the realm of digital assets, Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Aurangzeb announced on Wednesday that Pakistan is set to launch its inaugural Panda Bond issuance later this year.
Speaking at a post-budget 2025-26 presser, he outlined the government’s strategy for improving its access to international financial markets, stressing the importance of diversifying trade and investment opportunities for the country.
Besides making the Panda Bond rollout announcement, he also confirmed that the government was gearing up to make the first instalment payment of $500 million on Eurobonds in September, as reported by ProPakistani.
Regarding the second instalment, he added that it is scheduled for March-April next year, assuring the government is all set to manage its external financing obligations.
To back this venture, the government is reportedly striving to be granted credit enhancement through the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), revealed Aurangzeb, stating: “As our international credit ratings improve, we aim to access the Euro and US dollar markets by calendar year 2026.”
This strategy outlines the government's unwavering devotion to strengthening Pakistan's financial position and ensuring sustainable economic growth.