Pakistan looks forward to work with new US administration: Dar
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ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Mohamamd Ishaq Dar said Pakistan had been looking forward to work with new administration of the US.
He said it had been great partnership in the past and we would be able to work together and further enhance economic, defence and bilateral ties.
Talking about the economic stability of Pakistan, he said the country was moving ahead as it introduced deep structural reforms by cutting expenditures and bringing about economic stability.
He said earlier, Pakistan was called the country of two tranches, however it was first time in the history that it completed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme by managing successfully all the twelve levels of the structural reforms.
He said the global ratings for Pakistan had also moved from Negative to Stable and then to Positive and from C and B.
He said Pakistan was declared second choicest place for investment.
He said merger of all stock exchange into Pakistan Stock Exchanges had also helped it to become one of the best performing exchanges of the world and improved prospects for Pakistan becoming Asian Tiger.
The minister said the tax to GDP had improved to 13% while the GDP had increased from 4.7 to 5 percent plus.
However, he refuted the concept that the growth was due to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.
He said CPEC was just $46 billion project, and most of the projects under it were energy sector project with private sector.
He said he would welcome America and other countries' auto brands in the country.
Dar said Pakistan offered best offers low cost of production adding China was de-locating its plants due to high cost of production and Pakistan could become destination for those plants.
He said regional connectivity was the key to progress and prosperity so the projects like CPEC, TAPI and CASA-1000 project would help regional connectivity which would lead the region towards progress and prosperity.
Talking about the financial inclusion, Dar said by 2020 about 50% of the country's population would be included in financial inclusion programme.
He said after 19 years the population census was taking place in the country.
He said it was planned in 2016, however due to engagements of armed forces had to delayed for a year.
To a question, the minister said Pakistan nuclear assets were in safe hands, saying these assets were as safe in Pakistan as safe in any part of the world or in the US.
To another question on Indian spy he said council access was not allowed in charge of treason, however added all legal assistance was allowed. (APP)
