Economy projected to grow 4pc in FY26, says Aurangzeb
Published Date: April 29, 2026
Published On: Pakistan Today
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said on Tuesday that Pakistan’s economy is expected to expand by 4 per cent in the current fiscal year, pointing to what he described as improving macroeconomic indicators as evidence of a recovery.
He made the remarks while inaugurating the first high-level EU Pakistan Business Forum in Islamabad. The event was organised by the European Union in collaboration with the government of Pakistan and was presented as an important step towards deepening economic engagement between Pakistan and the EU.
According to the details shared at the forum, around 1,000 participants attended the gathering, including senior policymakers, business leaders from Pakistan and Europe, investors and financial institutions.
The forum took place against the backdrop of the EU’s importance in global trade and investment. It was highlighted at the event that the EU is the world’s largest single market, a major source of outward foreign direct investment globally, and Pakistan’s top export destination.
Minister outlines economic progress
Aurangzeb gave a detailed presentation on the government’s economic performance and the progress achieved so far. In his remarks, he linked the 4pc growth projection to signs of macroeconomic improvement.
The minister’s comments came at a forum focused on expanding business and investment ties between Pakistan and the European Union. The event was described as a significant opportunity to advance the economic partnership between the two sides.
The gathering brought together public and private sector stakeholders at a time when the government is seeking to project economic stability and attract greater foreign investment.
EU-Pakistan business engagement
The business forum marked the first high-level event of its kind between Pakistan and the EU, according to the information shared at the inauguration. Its stated aim was to strengthen bilateral economic relations by creating a platform for engagement among policymakers, investors and business representatives.
With European and Pakistani business leaders present alongside financial institutions, the forum focused on trade, investment and broader economic cooperation. The participation of a large number of stakeholders underscored the significance attached to the event by both sides.
Aurangzeb’s projection of 4pc growth for FY26 was one of the key takeaways from the opening session, where he presented the government’s view that the economy is moving towards recovery on the back of better macroeconomic indicators.
The event also reflected the importance of the EU-Pakistan economic relationship, with the EU identified as Pakistan’s number one export destination and a major global investor. Officials at the forum described it as a timely platform to build on those ties and explore further opportunities for cooperation.
