ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb is scheduled to travel to the United States next week to participate in the Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
With his visit gaining additional significance due to rising concerns over potential trade disruptions linked to new U.S. tariffs.
The finance minister is expected to arrive in Washington on April 21, where he will attend the 2025 Spring Meetings of the IMF and World Bank, taking place from April 21 to 26.
The meetings will convene finance ministers, central bank governors, and economic policy experts from around the globe.
According to diplomatic sources, Aurangzeb’s visit may also serve as an opportunity to initiate dialogue with U.S. officials regarding the proposed 29% tariff on Pakistani exports, recently announced by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump.
These tariffs, part of a broader effort to address global trade imbalances, have raised alarms in Islamabad, especially as the United States remains Pakistan’s largest export market.
While the implementation of the tariff has been temporarily paused for 90 days, it still poses a substantial threat to Pakistan’s trade interests.
As one of 75 countries invited to engage in bilateral talks with the U.S. over the matter, Pakistan views the upcoming discussions as critical to shaping its strategic response.
Consultations with IMF
Finance Minister Aurangzeb is also expected to hold consultations with the IMF and other global financial institutions, focusing on how Pakistan can navigate the anticipated economic impact of the tariffs while staying on course with its recovery from previous fiscal challenges.
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Institutions such as the IMF, which have had a strong influence on Pakistan’s economic policy direction, are expected to advise on strategies to manage the situation effectively, balancing external pressures with ongoing reform efforts.
In parallel, Pakistan is preparing for a follow-up visit by a trade delegation, which will engage directly with U.S. counterparts in formal negotiations concerning the proposed tariffs.
The delegation, confirmed earlier this week by the Prime Minister’s Office, will be headed by Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan.
Officials suggest that the finance minister’s meetings in Washington will play a key role in shaping the trade delegation’s position.
Insights gathered during his consultations are expected to inform Pakistan’s approach ahead of the formal trade talks.
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“The finance minister’s engagements will allow Pakistan to gain a clearer picture of how other countries are responding to the U.S. tariff initiative,” a diplomatic source noted.
“This will help Islamabad craft a more nuanced and strategic response before entering formal negotiations.”
