State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Governor Jameel Ahmed urged regional market integration to boost growth. He said no country can tackle economic challenges alone. Ahmed highlighted collaboration as key to financial stability and sustainable development across Asia.
He delivered the keynote at the International Capital Market Conference 2025, hosted by SECP. Policymakers, regulators, and market participants attended the event. Ahmed stressed that integrated markets are essential, not optional, for regional economic progress.
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Ahmed explained that regional integration can provide crucial financing channels for economies with low savings and limited bank funding. He noted that this is vital for climate and infrastructure projects. Cooperation and innovation, he added, will mobilize investment and strengthen resilience.
Citing examples, he mentioned the Eastern Caribbean Securities Market and ASEAN+3 Asian Bond Markets Initiative. These initiatives lower transaction costs, diversify risk, and broaden the investor base. He said ASEAN+3 bond markets grew from 88% of GDP in 2002 to 133% in 2025.
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Regarding Pakistan, Ahmed said the country is ready for structural reforms after economic stabilization. Vision 2028 and Uraan Pakistan aim to expand finance access and foster a technology-driven, resilient financial ecosystem. Regional market integration remains central to achieving these goals.