Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif became the first Pakistani prime minister to open a trading session at the London Stock Exchange on Tuesday. He attended the Market Open Ceremony at the exchange’s headquarters in London.
The ceremony also marked the listing of Pakistan’s $3 billion dual-tranche sovereign Eurobond. The prime minister highlighted Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen its economy and attract foreign investment.
Addressing the ceremony, Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan had taken several steps toward economic improvement. He said recent economic indicators showed continued progress.
The prime minister described the $3 billion Eurobond as an indication of improving economic conditions. He also highlighted the importance of returning to international capital markets.
During his London visit, Shehbaz Sharif also met senior representatives of major international financial institutions. These included Barclays, JPMorgan, Citi, BlackRock and Rothschild & Co.
The meetings focused on Pakistan’s economic reforms and macroeconomic stability. Investment opportunities and financial sector cooperation were also discussed.
During his meeting with Barclays, the prime minister welcomed the bank’s interest in Pakistan. He invited the institution to explore investment opportunities in the country’s financial sector.
A JPMorgan delegation also met the prime minister. Discussions covered capital markets, trade finance and investment banking.
The delegation expressed interest in Pakistan’s sovereign debt and corporate banking sectors. Shehbaz also encouraged JPMorgan to expand its operations in Pakistan.
The prime minister separately met senior Citi officials. He highlighted the bank’s long-standing presence in Pakistan.
He encouraged Citi to further develop its corporate and institutional banking services. The discussions also covered broader financial sector cooperation.
BlackRock representatives also held talks with the prime minister. Shehbaz invited the investment firm to increase its exposure to Pakistani equities and fixed-income assets.
Both sides discussed the importance of policy continuity. They linked consistent policies with investor confidence.
The prime minister also met Rothschild & Co officials. Their discussions covered Pakistan’s geoeconomic priorities and potential advisory cooperation.
Topics included capital markets and investment strategies. The meetings formed part of Pakistan’s broader engagement with international financial institutions.
Senior representatives of the institutions expressed views on Pakistan’s economic reform process. They also reaffirmed interest in strengthening engagement with the country’s financial sector.
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb attended the meetings. Prime Minister’s Adviser on Privatisation and Privatisation Commission Chairman Muhammad Ali also participated.
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The London Stock Exchange ceremony marked a notable engagement between Pakistan and international financial markets. It also coincided with the formal inauguration of Pakistan’s latest $3 billion Eurobond.
