Govt of Netherlands aims at enhancing the bilateral ties with Pakistan on various economic fronts: Ms. Henny Fokel de Vries

ISLAMABAD, Dec 07, (SABAH): Ms. Henny Fokel de Vries, Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday.

SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa and other senior officers from Finance Division participated in meeting. The Finance Minister welcomed Ms. Henny Fokel de Vries and highlighted the bilateral, economic and historical relations between Pakistan and Kingdom of Netherland. The Finance Minister shared that the two have always enjoyed outstanding bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, and common interests.

The Finance Minister apprised the Ambassador of the Netherlands the on-going post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation projects being undertaken by the present government. It was also shared that present government is highly concerned about the uplift of masses and especially through financial inclusion.

Ms. Henny Fokel de Vries reciprocated same sentiments on bilateral relations between Kingdom of Netherlands and Pakistan. The Ambassador shared sympathetic sentiments on the huge level of economic losses faced by Pakistan due to floods and monsoon rains. She further shared that government of Netherlands aims at enhancing the bilateral ties with Pakistan on various economic fronts as Pakistan being 5th largest country by population offers a great destination for investment.

The Finance Minister commended the investment proposals of Netherland and shared that provision of business friendly environment is the priority of present government. The Finance Minister further highlighted about multiple lucrative economic avenues present in Pakistan in which both countries can further deepen their economic relations. In conclusion, the Finance Minister and Ms. Henny Fokel de Vries exchanged thankful remarks to each other.

Meanwhile Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a virtual meeting with Governor State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmad at Finance Division on Wednesday. SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, Special Secretary Finance and other senior officers of Finance Division attended the meeting. Ishaq Dar discussed about the overall economic situation of the country. Various fiscal and monetary measures were discussed for maintaining the economic growth and stability in the country. In conclusion, the Governor SBP thanked the Finance Minister for continuous support by the present government for the policy initiatives taken by State Bank of Pakistan.

Meanwhile Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a meeting with delegation of Daraz headed by its MD Ehsan Saya at Finance Division on Wednesday. SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa and other senior officers from Finance Division participated in meeting. The delegation of Daraz expressed gratitude to the Finance Minister and shared their business profile and their contribution to the economic development of Pakistan. They also apprised the Finance Minister about various operational issues being faced by them especially cross-border payments. The delegation requested for resolving their issues and sought support of government in this regard.

MD Daraz also apprised the Finance Minister that M/s Alibaba in collaboration with Daraz is extending a humanitarian support of US$ 0.5 million to the flood affectees in Pakistan

Mohammad Ishaq Dar greeted the delegation and shared that present government is keen to see IT sectors increasing their contribution to the economic development of Pakistan. The Government is placing high priority to IT related business activities in Pakistan. The Finance Minister appreciated their support for the flood affectees and extended support to address and resolve the issues of Daraz at earliest time possible. The delegation thanked the Finance Minister for cooperation and support.