ISLAMABAD: In a bid to deepen bilateral cooperation in Pakistan’s rapidly emerging minerals sector, Critical Minerals Forum (US) Chairman Robert Louis Strayer II and US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker on Friday met with Finance and Revenue Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb.
Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in the exploration of critical minerals, ensuring supply chain security and promoting responsible, sustainable investment to unlock Pakistan’s vast mineral potential.
Both sides expressed their commitment to continued engagement and cooperation in the minerals sector, in line with Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and shared goals for sustainable development.
The minister welcomed the delegation and highlighted Pakistan’s steady economic trajectory, noting improvements in macroeconomic fundamentals and governance reforms.
“Our priority is fundamental fiscal hygiene – building discipline where capital flows in, stays invested and is secured through sound policies,” he said.
“This institution is now translating into improved sentiment and positive messages from international rating agencies.”
The minister said that Pakistan has embarked on deep-rooted structural reforms, including restructuring of the power sector, tax administration reforms, broadening the tax base and a roadmap for fiscal sustainability.
He noted that the government is separating tax policy and administration responsibilities by establishing a dedicated tax policy unit within the Ministry of Finance to ensure improved governance and efficiency.
“The 24 SOEs were referred to the Privatization Commission as part of the government’s commitment to improve service delivery and strengthen fiscal discipline,” he said.
The minister also highlighted Pakistan’s enhanced geopolitical and economic partnerships, saying that Pakistan today stands at a constructive intersection of global relations, renewed momentum in Pakistan-US ties, time-tested relations with China and long-term strategic partnership with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
He said that Pakistan’s mineral and mining sector represents a transformational opportunity.
“This offers Pakistan a path to transition from consumption-led cycles to export-led growth. A strong minerals policy framework will help Pakistan break the cycle of periodic balance of payments pressures and reduce future dependence on multilateral support.”
Strayer shared that the US government-sponsored Critical Minerals Forum works globally to support safe and transparent mineral supply chains for US industry, particularly in emerging markets.
He said the Forum focused on rare and specialty metals, including copper and antimony, and was aimed at disinvestment from both financial and security perspectives.
He reiterated the Forum’s commitment to support technology transfer, intellectual property protection and US private sector investor confidence.
The US delegation noted that the US viewed Pakistan’s talent in science, engineering and mathematics as a competitive strength and recognized Pakistan’s potential to become a future hub for critical mineral development.
The Chargé d’Affaires noted the Embassy’s support for US commercial engagement in Pakistan and emphasized the importance of ensuring strong investor confidence and enabling regulatory frameworks in the minerals sector.
The minister said that Pakistan is 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 cooperation framework. Pakistan will evaluate it with a view to facilitating responsible investment and ensuring mutual benefit,” he said.
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