The understanding was reached during a meeting between Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and the President of the US Critical Minerals Forum, Robert Louis Strayer-II, held in Islamabad on Friday.

The US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker also attended the meeting.

Both sides discussed opportunities for cooperation in the minerals and mining sector, strengthening supply-chain security, and encouraging responsible and sustainable investment in Pakistan’s critical minerals landscape.

Finance Minister Aurangzeb emphasised that Pakistan’s mineral and mining sector represents a “transformational opportunity” for the country, offering a pathway to shift from consumption-driven cycles to export-led growth.

He said the government’s focus on developing a robust minerals policy framework will help Pakistan reduce balance-of-payments pressures and future reliance on multilateral financial support.

Responding to questions, the minister reaffirmed that Pakistan is undertaking major legal and regulatory reforms and welcomed structured proposals from the US Critical Minerals Forum.

In his remarks, Forum President Strayer-II reiterated the organisation’s commitment to support technology transfer, intellectual property protection, and enhanced US private-sector investor confidence in Pakistan.

The US delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s vast potential to emerge as a regional hub for critical mineral development.