TRADE & ECONOMY
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday met International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, discussing Pakistan’s economic stabilisation efforts and ongoing reform agenda.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), PM Shehbaz briefed the IMF chief on the improvement in Pakistan’s macroeconomic indicators, progress on institutional reforms, and measures taken to stabilise the economy.
The prime minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to fiscal discipline, revenue mobilisation and sustainable development, emphasising that structural reforms were essential to ensure long-term economic stability.
Kristalina Georgieva acknowledged and appreciated Pakistan’s reform efforts, the statement said, while stressing the importance of maintaining the momentum of reforms to build economic resilience and safeguard future growth.
The two sides also exchanged views on the global economic outlook, challenges faced by emerging economies and the need for multilateral cooperation to maintain global economic stability.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz also met Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa on the sidelines of the WEF. According to the PMO, Mustafa expressed his heartfelt gratitude for Pakistan’s “consistent, principled and unwavering support” for the Palestinian people.
“The Palestinian prime minister personally walked up to PM Shehbaz and introduced himself,” the statement said, adding that Mustafa thanked Pakistan for supporting the Palestinian stance at international forums and advocating for the Palestinian cause.
The prime minister is currently on a three-day visit to Davos (January 20–22), leading a high-level Pakistani delegation that includes Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. PM Shehbaz arrived in Davos on Tuesday.
In a post on X, PM Shehbaz said his visit aimed to advance Pakistan’s engagement with global trade and investment partners at the WEF.
“Pakistan’s ongoing economic reform journey is unlocking profound opportunities, driven by a resilient and entrepreneurial workforce and significant potential across energy, agriculture, minerals, and emerging technologies,” he wrote.
He added that Pakistan was ready to translate this potential into mutually beneficial economic cooperation and long-term investment partnerships.
Dar’s Engagements at WEF
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar inaugurated the Pathfinder Group’s Pakistan Pavilion on the sidelines of the WEF Annual Meeting, according to a statement by the Foreign Office.
FM Dar praised the initiative for showcasing Pakistan’s economic potential and emerging investment opportunities, highlighting the innovation and dynamism of Pakistani start-ups.
He underscored the role of start-ups and youth-led entrepreneurship in driving socio-economic development and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting innovation-driven growth.
In another engagement, FM Dar met Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand on the sidelines of the WEF 2026 meeting. The two leaders agreed to explore ways to enhance Pakistan-Canada relations, with a particular focus on strengthening economic and trade cooperation, the Foreign Office said.