Islamabad: US Ambassador Donald Blome underlined Washington’s ongoing support for Pakistan’s economic reform agenda in meeting with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb.

“US Ambassador Donald Blome met with Finance Minister to discuss key aspects of US-Pakistan trade, investment and economic relationship,” said acting US Mission spokesperson Thomas Montgomery in statement released by US Embassy. “Ambassador highlighted ongoing US support for Pakistan’s economic reform agenda. “Blome noted United States is committed to working with Pakistan in technical and development initiatives, emphasising that United States remains Pakistan’s largest export market, major source of high-quality investment and strong partner for Pakistan’s economic future,” it said. Pakistan’s $ 3-billion Stand-By Arrangement concluded last month, but authorities in Islamabad have been keen to pursue 24th bailout with IMF, hoping that longer, larger EFF will put it on path of permanence when it comes to economic stability and reform.

“Building on economic stabilisation achieved through successful completion of 2023 Stand-by Arrangement,  IMF and Pakistani authorities made significant progress toward reaching Staff Level Agreement on comprehensive economic policy and reform programme that can be supported under an Extended Fund Facility,” IMF Mission Chief to Pakistan Nathan Porter was quoted as saying in statement.