KARACHI, Nov 12: State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed on Tuesday emphasised the need for regional collaboration and capital market integration, saying no country can tackle today’s complex economic and financial challenges in isolation.
Speaking at the International Capital Market Conference 2025, hosted by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Mr Ahmed underscored that regional integration was “not an option but a necessity” for sustainable growth and financial stability. The event brought together regulators, policymakers, and market participants from across Asia to discuss the future of regional cooperation.
The governor stressed the urgent need for cooperation and innovation to mobilise investment, enhance resilience, and foster sustainable growth across Asia.https://t.co/o8o7mgjyrm
— Dawn Business (@dawn_business) November 12, 2025
The SBP governor said integrated regional markets could serve as vital financing channels for economies with low savings rates and limited access to bank lending, particularly for infrastructure and climate-related projects. He stressed that enhanced cooperation and financial innovation were essential to mobilise investment, strengthen resilience, and support inclusive development.
“When capital is allocated more efficiently, growth becomes more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable,” he said, citing international examples such as the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market and the ASEAN+3 Asian Bond Markets Initiative. These initiatives, he added, have successfully reduced transaction costs, diversified risks ,and broadened investor participation.
You May Also Like: 41 More Cases Registered in Punjab’s Anti-Smog Drive
Mr Ahmed highlighted that the ASEAN+3 bond markets had expanded significantly — from 88 per cent of GDP in 2002 to 133 per cent in 2025 — illustrating the benefits of coordinated regional action.
Turning to Pakistan’s progress, the governor said the country was now in a stronger position to pursue structural reforms following recent economic stabilisation measures. Under the SBP’s Vision 2028 and the federal government’s Uraan Pakistan blueprint, he said efforts were focused on expanding financial inclusion, promoting innovation, and building a technology-driven, resilient financial ecosystem.
Check out our latest video:
