Islamabad: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has reaffirmed that the private sector must lead Pakistan’s economic growth, while the government’s role is to provide a supportive ecosystem. He was talking to a high-level delegation from Acumen, led by its Founder and Chief Executive Officer Ms. Jacqueline Novogratz in Islamabad today.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Finance Minister highlighted Pakistan’s move towards an export-led growth model, supported by tariff reforms and responsible fiscal management, aimed at ending the boom-and-bust cycle. Appreciating Acumen’s continued engagement and its focus on agriculture and climate resilience in Pakistan, he highlighted government’s efforts to address high energy and financing costs, improve the investment climate, and strengthen public-private partnerships.

He briefed the delegation on the Prime Minister’s recent visits to Beijing, Riyadh, and Washington D.C., and the strong support expressed by strategic partners for investment and trade flows. Muhammad Aurangzeb also highlighted the clearance of backlog repatriation of foreign profits and dividends, noting that the macroeconomic stability has made such transactions routine and non-disruptive.

The Minister thanked Acumen for its continued confidence in Pakistan and lauded its efforts in supporting climate-smart agriculture, food system resilience, and poverty alleviation. Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Jacqueline Novogratz reaffirmed Acumen’s long-term commitment to Pakistan, especially in agriculture, climate resilience, energy, and poverty reduction.

Ms. Novogratz acknowledged Pakistan’s dynamic young talent and strong entrepreneurial potential, emphasizing that enhancing access to finance for these entrepreneurs can transform their innovative ideas into scalable businesses. She reiterated Acumen’s resolve to continue investing in Pakistan’s people and ideas that create social and economic impact.