ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT): Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, while responding to the changing US trade policy and tariffs under President Donald Trump’s administration, said here on Saturday that Pakistan intends to send a high-level delegation to Washington to convey its commitment to a long-term strategic partnership.Pakistani travel guides
“In the next couple of days, we are going to finalize our recommendations to the prime minister and ….. with approval of PM, we intend to send a high level delegation to Washington to get our views across and to ensure that we want to be a partner, which is a long term strategic partner,” the minister said while addressing a press conference here.
He said, two committees were constituted including a steering group, led by Finance Minister and a working group, headed by the Secretary of Commerce, and there were meetings over the last couple of days and will continue with a view to transform challenges into opportunities.
“You should never let good crisis go to waste. We are looking it both challenge as well as opportunity,” he said adding the government was constructively engaged and was working on a package and when finalized, it can go forward for discussion with US administration.
He said, Pakistan wanted to make sure to have win-win situation in medium to long terms for both the counties. He said US was very important strategic partner and was also the largest trading partner in terms of exports which go to the US.
Meanwhile, talking about the economic stability and sustainability, the minister said, Pakistan aims to drive growth through export-led, production-led, and private sector-led strategies, focusing on increasing foreign exchange reserves, promoting business confidence, and implementing structural reforms.Pakistani travel guides
He said, the country had achieved macroeconomic stability however adding it was not an end in itself rather it’s a means to an end. “It’s about basic hygiene. Any economy has to have these elements before it goes forward.”
He said Pakistan on the external front have seen stability as it has witnessed rising foreign exchange reserves on the back of very strong remittances, citing 32% increase during first two months on year on year basis.
