Islamabad — Strengthening cooperation in Pakistan’s minerals and mining sector took center stage today as Mr. Robert Louis Strayer II, President of the Critical Minerals Forum (USA), called on Federal Minister for Finance & Revenue at the Ministry of Finance. He was accompanied by H.E. Ms. Natalie Baker, Chargé d’Affaires of the United States, along with senior officials from both sides.
The high-level meeting focused on expanding collaboration in critical minerals, supply-chain security, and responsible investment, underscoring shared interests in sustainable economic growth and resilient industrial partnerships.
Building a Foundation for Sustainable Growth
Welcoming the delegation, the Finance Minister highlighted Pakistan’s steady economic recovery and ongoing structural reforms. “Our priority is fundamental fiscal hygiene—building the discipline where capital flows in, remains invested, and is secured through sound policies,” the Minister remarked. He added that the government’s economic agenda is beginning to yield results, reflected in improved investor sentiment and positive signals from international rating agencies.
The Minister elaborated on Pakistan’s reform trajectory, citing progress in power sector restructuring, tax administration modernization, and the establishment of a Tax Policy Unit within the Ministry to separate policy and operational functions—steps aimed at strengthening governance and fiscal sustainability.
On privatisation and state-owned enterprise reforms, he shared that 24 SOEs have been referred to the Privatisation Commission, aligning with the government’s strategy to enhance efficiency and fiscal discipline.
Pakistan’s Geostrategic and Economic Position
Emphasizing Pakistan’s evolving global partnerships, the Finance Minister described the country as standing at “a constructive intersection of global relationships,” highlighting renewed momentum in Pakistan-U.S. ties, time-tested relations with China, and strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
He underscored that Pakistan’s minerals and mining sector represents a transformational opportunity, offering a path to export-led growth and reducing the nation’s historical reliance on external financial assistance. “A strong minerals policy framework will help Pakistan break the cycle of periodic balance-of-payments pressures,” he noted.
Critical Minerals Forum’s Global Perspective
Mr. Strayer briefed the Minister on the mission of the Critical Minerals Forum, a U.S. Government-funded initiative supporting secure and transparent mineral supply chains across emerging markets. He explained that the Forum’s focus includes rare and niche metals such as copper and antimony, with the goal of de-risking investment and bolstering U.S. private-sector confidence through technology transfer and IP protection.
Acknowledging Pakistan’s scientific and engineering talent, the U.S. delegation expressed confidence in the country’s potential to emerge as a future hub for critical mineral development. Ms. Baker reaffirmed the U.S. Embassy’s commitment to facilitating commercial engagement and stressed the importance of robust regulatory frameworks to ensure investor confidence.
Responding to the delegation’s proposals, the Finance Minister welcomed structured collaboration with the Forum. “We encourage you to return with a detailed framework for cooperation. Pakistan will evaluate it with a view to facilitating responsible investment and ensuring mutual benefit,” he said.
He also shared updates from his recent meetings with international financial institutions, including DFC and IFC, both of which expressed interest in expanding investments in Pakistan—a development supported by the U.S. Embassy.
The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue and cooperation in the minerals sector, aligned with Pakistan’s economic reform agenda and shared goals for sustainable development.
