Pakistan plans to issue a Panda Bond by June 2024, aiming to strengthen its presence in China’s capital markets and raise approximately $200 million from Chinese investors, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said.

In an interview with Hong Kong’s TVB News Channel, Aurangzeb described the bond issuance as a key step in Pakistan’s broader economic strategy to shift towards export-led growth and ensure a more sustainable balance of payments. “The Panda Bond will help Pakistan diversify its funding sources and deepen financial engagement with China,” he said.

The minister also underscored the significance of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which he said would bring more Chinese companies into Pakistan and unlock new investment opportunities.

Inviting Hong Kong to play a role in Pakistan’s economic landscape, Aurangzeb encouraged trade delegations from the region to explore potential collaborations in finance and commerce. He noted that Hong Kong could serve as a strategic hub for joint ventures between Chinese and Pakistani businesses.