IslamicFinance.de

Pakistan has picked arrangers for a potential $2bn debt sale planned for later this year. The sale would come as Pakistan’s finances are starting to show strain. The nation’s foreign-exchange reserves have fallen 15% to $19.8b this year as its traditional exports dwindle and imports rise. The World Bank estimates that $17b of external financing is needed in the next financial year for Pakistan to bridge its rising debt payments and current account deficit. The deficit is expected to widen to 5.7% of gross domestic product, from a deficit of 4.4% in 2016. The country is planning to raise $1b from a Sukuk offering, and has mandated Citigroup, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank and Noor Bank to manage the sale. Citigroup, Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank and Industrial & Commercial Bank of China were chosen for a potential conventional bond offering of an equal amount.