Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated that the national economy is currently placed in a stable and favorable position, supported by macroeconomic discipline and improving geopolitical conditions. Speaking during a virtual address at the second Pakistan International Maritime Expo and Conference 2025 in Karachi, he noted that the country is benefiting from a combination of domestic stabilization policy outcomes and external support, which has contributed to strengthening overall economic confidence.
According to the finance minister, Pakistan is experiencing positive momentum due to what he called a convergence of enabling factors. He pointed to macroeconomic consolidation efforts and improving global positioning as elements that are reinforcing economic direction. He emphasized that long-standing partnerships, which have historically supported the country at critical junctures, remain valuable assets as Pakistan aims to transition from government-centric agreements toward broader trade and investment-driven relationships.
Aurangzeb stated that Pakistan is leveraging renewed confidence from global financial institutions and international partners, citing recent credit rating upgrades from three major global rating agencies, all aligned on a stable outlook. He highlighted this external assessment as an endorsement of policy measures undertaken to stabilize the economy and an indicator of renewed trust in Pakistan’s reform commitments.
He also referred to the ongoing International Monetary Fund programme, noting that a recent staff-level agreement reflects sustained engagement and confidence in Pakistan’s macroeconomic direction. The minister underscored that increased investment flows and trade partnerships are expected in the coming months, suggesting that these developments will support enduring economic expansion and structural strengthening.
During the address, Aurangzeb placed particular emphasis on the blue economy, describing it as a significant opportunity for Pakistan’s long-term development trajectory. He said that although the blue economy currently represents only 0.4% to 0.5% of the national GDP, equivalent to roughly USD 1 billion, the potential scale is markedly greater. With Pakistan’s overall GDP estimated at USD 411 billion, he argued that the country’s economic horizon could extend toward USD 3 trillion under sustained structural transformation and sectoral expansion.
The finance minister called Pakistan’s target of achieving a USD 100 billion blue economy by 2047 both ambitious and achievable, stressing that strategic execution can unlock meaningful growth. Key areas identified include fisheries and aquaculture expansion, where seafood export growth to USD 2 billion in the coming years is viewed as attainable, alongside modernization of ports, upgrading logistics infrastructure, and accelerating digitization across maritime operations.
Aurangzeb also outlined future-focused areas such as renewable energy integration, innovative financing mechanisms including blue bonds, blended finance solutions for conservation, and advancement in marine biotechnology. He noted that regional cooperation and alignment with global maritime sustainability goals will be essential components of Pakistan’s approach.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to policy continuity and stable decision cycles, stating that consistency will be central to converting economic potential into realized outcomes. Aurangzeb concluded by encouraging constructive dialogue at PIMEC 2025 and expressed interest in feedback to further refine national maritime and economic strategies.
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