ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, revealed on Wednesday that Pakistan is considering issuing Panda Bonds in Yuan this year to access China’s expansive capital market.
In an interview with several Chinese media outlets, the minister explained that while Pakistan has previously issued bonds in US dollars and Euros, the time has come to take advantage of China’s robust capital market. The issuance of Panda Bonds, he noted, would strengthen Pakistan’s connection with China’s financial system and highlight the significant role China plays in Pakistan’s digital transformation.
Aurangzeb expressed gratitude for China’s continued support, describing the relationship between the two countries as that of “iron brothers” and strategic partners. The minister is currently in China to attend the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2025.
He commended China’s efforts to open up its economy and market, stressing the essential contribution of foreign companies in driving China’s export sector. The Minister further emphasized Pakistan’s goal of becoming a hub for the transfer of export-oriented services and technologies, particularly from Chinese companies.
Aurangzeb also acknowledged the progress made under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), particularly in infrastructure development, including roads, communication networks, and ports. He highlighted the importance of leveraging these infrastructure assets to boost economic cooperation, enabling Chinese industries to benefit from Pakistan’s infrastructure and affordable labor.
The Minister expressed interest in learning from China’s digital transformation, particularly in financial inclusion, and emphasized the potential for Pakistan to draw valuable lessons from China’s experience in integrating digital solutions within the financial sector.
Additionally, Aurangzeb underlined the importance of bilateral cooperation in key areas such as financial technology, agriculture, drone technology, and other critical sectors.
