Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif praised DFC as “instrumental” in fostering private sector partnerships, crediting the agency with boosting jobs and national productivity
By Amjad Qaimkhani
WASHINGTON: In Washington D.C., Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif welcomed a high-level delegation from the United States International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Benjamin Black.
The meeting, which also included Conor Coleman, DFC’s Head of Investments, and several senior officials of the agency, underscored the growing economic dialogue between Pakistan and the United States at a time when both nations are exploring deeper commercial ties.
During the discussions, the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the DFC’s ongoing role in facilitating private sector partnerships, describing the agency as “instrumental in driving joint ventures that create jobs and improve productivity.” He noted that Pakistan’s macroeconomic fundamentals were showing marked improvement, and reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing structural reforms to attract long-term investment.
Highlighting opportunities across multiple sectors, the Prime Minister invited DFC to expand its financing into energy, mining and minerals, agriculture, and information technology. He also praised the agency’s existing portfolio in Pakistan, valued at over a billion dollars, and emphasized the natural synergies between the economic priorities of both countries, suggesting that closer collaboration could yield mutually rewarding business-to-business engagement.
In response, Benjamin Black briefed the Prime Minister on DFC’s strategic priorities and ongoing projects in Pakistan. He conveyed the agency’s keen interest in broadening its footprint, especially in light of its recent reauthorization, which positions DFC to increase support for economic development in partner nations.
The Prime Minister extended an invitation to DFC to take part in the forthcoming Minerals Conference in Islamabad this April, signaling Pakistan’s intent to showcase its investment potential and promote knowledge exchange in the sector. He further invited Benjamin Black to visit Pakistan at the earliest opportunity to explore projects of shared interest, underlining a mutual desire to strengthen commercial and strategic ties.
Observers noted that the meeting marked a continuation of a steady warming of economic relations, with both sides signaling readiness to translate high-level discussions into tangible projects, investments, and long-term partnerships.
