Pakistan and the World Bank Group have agreed to accelerate implementation of the Country Partnership Framework (CPF) 2026–2035, focusing on project preparedness, concessional financing, human development and climate resilience. Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema met World Bank Managing Director of Operations Anna Bjerde on the sidelines of the 2026 World Bank Group–IMF Annual Meetings in Bangkok. Their discussions covered support for water and sanitation, climate resilience and economic transformation, alongside investments in sectors with strong job-creation potential. Cheema also discussed enhanced support for the ML-1 Railway Upgradation Project and a proposed Economic Railway Corridor along the approximately 1,800-kilometre railway line. The corridor aims to strengthen connectivity and unlock economic opportunities. The meeting also addressed a proposed Minerals Compact to support the development of Pakistan’s minerals sector.

Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan has called for faster regulatory approvals for Pakistani pharmaceutical companies seeking access to Ethiopia’s market. The issue was discussed during a meeting in Islamabad with Ethiopian Ambassador Dr Oumer Hussein Oba, where both sides also explored ways to expand bilateral trade, investment and economic cooperation. Jam Kamal highlighted Pakistan’s growing pharmaceutical industry and its interest in increasing exports to African markets. They also reviewed progress on a proposed visa waiver agreement for diplomatic and official passport holders. The ambassador expressed hope that the agreement would be finalized soon.

Pakistan’s textile exporters have warned that goods exports could decline sharply in the second quarter of the current fiscal year, from October to December. Pakistan Textile Exporters Association Patron-in-Chief Khurram Mukhtar said weaker demand in Western markets, rising freight charges and higher production costs were putting pressure on the export sector. Inflation in Western economies has dampened buyer demand, while sea freight costs have risen 1.5 to 2.5 times, squeezing exporters’ already narrow profit margins. Higher input and logistics costs are also weakening the competitiveness of Pakistani products in international markets.