Pakistan has reaffirmed its strong interest in joining BRICS, with Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb emphasizing the country’s potential role within the bloc. In an interview with a Russian media outlet, Aurangzeb highlighted Pakistan’s active participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and its readiness to contribute constructively to BRICS initiatives.
The Finance Minister expressed a keen interest in learning from Russia’s experience in integrating artificial intelligence into public finance and budgeting processes, while underscoring the ongoing need for human oversight in policy decisions.
Aurangzeb also stressed the importance of enhancing regional connectivity, citing trade corridors such as the International North-South Transport Corridor as vital for ensuring resilient trade flows amid global economic uncertainties. He identified key sectors for potential collaboration with Russia, including energy, oil and gas, minerals, mining, and industrial projects, including discussions on establishing a steel plant.
Highlighting broader investment opportunities, the Finance Minister revealed that Azerbaijan has shown interest in investing nearly two billion dollars in Pakistan, with discussions underway on projects including a potential oil pipeline. Pakistan is also looking to learn from Azerbaijan’s advancements in digital services, technology-driven service centres, artificial intelligence, fintech, and cybersecurity.
Aurangzeb emphasized the strategic potential of developing new trade and transport corridors connecting Pakistan with Central Asia and Azerbaijan. He further highlighted the need for financial instruments such as guarantees, export credit mechanisms, banking linkages, and Islamic finance tools to support the growing trade and investment agenda between Pakistan and its partners.
This outreach underscores Pakistan’s efforts to strengthen economic ties, attract foreign investment, and play a more influential role in regional and global economic platforms like BRICS.
