Pakistan is preparing to launch its first-ever Panda bond, a yuan-denominated sovereign bond to be issued in China’s domestic market, in January, marking a significant step toward deepening financial cooperation with China and diversifying the country’s external funding sources.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the planned issuance forms part of Pakistan’s broader strategy to strengthen debt sustainability, reduce reliance on dollar-denominated borrowing and tap into China’s deep and liquid onshore capital markets amid challenging global financial conditions.

Gwadar Pro in a report stated that Panda bonds are renminbi-denominated instruments issued by foreign governments or entities and sold to Chinese investors.

For Pakistan, entry into China’s domestic bond market represents a strategic move to mitigate foreign-exchange risks while broadening its investor base through alternative, market-based financing channels.

“The Panda Bond program is being pursued as a structured and programmatic financing strategy, aligned with prudent debt management objectives,” the finance ministry said in a statement after Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a high-level review meeting on the proposed issuance.

Officials said Pakistan envisages a Panda bond program of around US $1 billion, with an inaugural tranche equivalent to approximately US $250 million, subject to final regulatory approvals from Chinese authorities, which are expected by early January. Preparatory work for subsequent issuances under a second phase of the program has already commenced.

The ministry said Pakistan has secured the necessary approvals from its multilateral partners, while engagement with Chinese institutional investors has so far been constructive, reflecting growing confidence in Pakistan’s macroeconomic stabilization efforts and reform trajectory. Pricing will be finalized closer to market engagement once regulatory requirements are completed.

Pakistan is currently operating under a US $ 7 billion, 37-month program with the International Monetary Fund, which requires fiscal consolidation, enhanced revenue mobilization and structural reforms across key sectors, including energy and state-owned enterprises.

Elevated borrowing costs in international markets have prompted Islamabad to explore alternative financing options, including yuan-denominated instruments.

The finance ministry said the Panda bond initiative would support Pakistan’s medium-term debt sustainability goals by diversifying funding sources and further strengthening financial and economic ties with China, a long-standing strategic partner, Gwadar Pro's report added.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP) — Pak-China