ISLAMABAD – Finance Minister Asad Umar has said Pakistan is opening up tothe world with improved security situation in the country.
Addressing the Graduation ceremony of 27th Advanced Diplomatic Courseorganized by Foreign Service Academy for Foreign Diplomats in Islamabad onFriday, he said Pakistan is trying to improve trade and economic relationswith different countries in order to exploit its full potential.
Referring to the geo strategic location of Pakistan, the Finance Ministersaid Pakistan is the pivot of the Silk Road. He said we are in the processof implementing China Pakistan Economic Corridor project which hasstrengthened our economic relations with the time tested friend. He pointedout that Pakistan and Turkey are also on the path of developing strategiceconomic framework. A strategic relationship council has also been set upwith Saudi Arabia to further deepen the relations with the Kingdom.
The Finance Minister said that Pakistan by its history and incredibleheritage is a multi-cultural society and we want to make this accessible tothe rest of the world.
Referring to the recent staffoff with India, Asad Umar said things seemedto be on the mend. We, however, will continue to be guard till theelections are held in the neighboring India. He said Pakistan stayscommitted to improve relations with all the regional countries includingIndia.
He said our hand of friendship is still extended to India but if Indiaresorted to any misadventure, this hand will turn into a fist.
The Finance Minister said we have the capacity and capability to defend themotherland.
On Afghanistan, Asad Umar said Pakistan’s efforts for the Afghan peaceprocess are now widely being appreciated. He said Pakistan will continue toplay its role to make the dialogue process successful.
In his welcome address, Director General of Foreign Service Academy AftabAhmad Khokhar said that twenty three participants from eighteen countriesparticipated in the advanced diplomatic course. He expressed theconfidence that the participants of the course will serve as Pakistan’sambassadors to their home countries and contribute towards furtherpromoting bilateral relations.
One of the course participants from the West Indies appreciated themagnanimity shown by Prime Minister Imran Khan in defusing the tension withIndia.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Asad Umar says the government is keen to deviseinnovative financing model, develop capital markets and mobilize privatesector investment to boost economic activities in the country.
He was talking to a high-level delegation of Asian Development Bank inIslamabad on Friday.
The delegation comprised Executive Director Shahid Mahmood, DirectorGeneral Werner E. Liepach, Director General (Private Sector Operations)Michael Barrow, and Country Director Ms. Xiaohong Yang.
Asad Umar acknowledged the ADB’s support for development of Pakistan anddiscussed the priorities areas and new avenues for future interventions.
Executive Director of the Bank Shahid Mahmood reiterated the bank’scommitment to further strengthen and expand its partnership with Pakistan.
Director General Werner E. Liepach, affirmed ADB’s readiness to scale upits lending to Pakistan, including development policy credit and projectfinancing.
Director General (Private Sector Operations) Michael Barrow highlightedthat ADB is further committed to enhance its private sector operations inPakistan through development of capital market and local currency financing.