Ishaq Dar reiterates commitment of govt to complete the existing IMF program & fulfill all the international obligations

ISLAMABAD, Mar 14 (SABAH): Ms. Leslie Scanlon, High Commissioner of Canada called on Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar at Finance Division on Tuesday.

Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar welcomed Ms. Leslie Scanlon, High Commissioner of Canada and shared that there are friendly relations between the two countries.

The Finance Minister commended the support of Canadian Government for flood affectees. The two sides discussed overall global economic situation as well as economic policies and programmes of the government in Pakistan. They exchanged views on enhancing bilateral relations in various avenues and cooperation in a number of fields including trade, investment and climate resilience. The Finance Minister briefed the envoy about the economic outlook of the country and the challenges being faced by the country, coupled with huge losses due to the devastating floods last year. He further shared that the government with its pragmatic policy decisions has not only arrested the economic decline but is also steering the economy towards stability and growth. He also shared that the government has taken difficult decisions in key sectors, including energy sector in order to reduce budgetary and current account deficits and increase the revenue generation.

The Finance Minister also informed about the talks held with IMF Mission and reiterated the commitment of the government to complete the existing IMF program and fulfill all the international obligations.

Ms. Leslie Scanlon, High Commissioner of Canada, also shared sentiments of deep rooted friendly relations between Pakistan and Canada and said that both countries enjoy excellent relations and these need to be further promoted especially on trade, investment and Climate resilience. She informed about the newly developed Strategy for the region through which Pakistan will be able to access for Climate resilience and re-building. She supported the policies and programs of the government for socio-economic development and economic growth.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar appreciated the Canadian investments in Pakistan and extended full support and cooperation of the government to enhance the economic relations between both the countries.