Measures to streamline national economy showing resilience: Umar
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ISLAMABAD: Minister for Finance Asad Umar here said that due to corrective measures introduced by the current government for bringing stabilization in national economy, the economic indicators had started showing resilience.
During first half of current financial year, exports of the country increased, imports decreased and remittances were increased as compared to the corresponding period of last financial, the minister said while talking to the anchor persons of different TV channels at Ministry of Finance.
The minister said despite the immense challenges that was faced by the government on economic front, it had decided to introduce some structural reforms to correct the fundamentals of national economy for bringing long term development and stabilization.
Due to these reforms, current account deficit had also registered decreasing trend and was significantly reduced which would help reducing the pressure on foreign exchange reserves, he added.
Asad Umer said that four components including exports, imports, remittances and foreign direct investment were the determining factors of current account deficit, adding that all these indicators excluding foreign investment were remained on the mark during the period under review.
He informed that private sector credit off-take during the period from July-December, 2018-19 had also witnessed 65 percent growth as compared to 21 percent of last year which was the highest in last 13 years.
The minister said that consumer inflation rate based on Consumer Prices Index (CPI) during first five months of the government of Pakistan Peoples Party was increased by 11.2 percent, it was increased by 4 percent in Pakistan Muslim League (N) regime, where as the CPI had witnessed a nominal increased 0.4 percent in first five months of PTI government.
He said that year on year, CPI percentage change by income quintiles and commodity groups was at lower level for low income group in 2018 as compared to the same period of last year, adding that government had tried to provide maximum relief to common man.
He said that current government after coming into power had announced to explore and utilize other alternative sources for economic development and stabilization, besides negotiating with International Monitory Fund (IMF).
The government was still in process of negotiation with IMF and as soon as any suitable programme for the betterment of national economy finalized, the agreement with the fund would be signed, he remarked.
Besides, he said that government was utilizing other available alternate options for fulfilling the financial requirements of the country and taking different measures for economic development and social prosperity of the country.
Replying to a question, the minister said that supplementary Finance Bill would be introduced to attract investment, promoting exports and facilitating the business activities in the country.
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