Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki called on Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Wednesday.
Dar extended a warm welcome to the Saudi ambassador and highlighted the historical, religious, cultural and long-standing ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It was shared that both states enjoy exceptional relationship on various front including economy and trade, said a press release issued here.
The finance minister informed the ambassador about the ongoing post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation programme. He thanked the ambassador for extending the term of $3 billion deposit in the SBP by Saudi Fund for Development (SFD). He also thanked SFD for their valuable investments in different sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
Nawaf Bin Said Al-Malki acknowledged the long-term relationship and said that Saudi Arabia aims at further deepening the economic and commercial ties with Pakistan. In conclusion, the finance minister expressed gratitude towards the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for continuous support and cooperation with Pakistan.
Also, Dutch Ambassador to Pakistan Henny Fokel de Vries called on Ishaq Dar. SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa and other senior officers from Finance Division participated in the meeting. The finance minister welcomed Henny Fokel de Vries and highlighted the bilateral, economic and historical relations between Pakistan and the Netherlands. Dar said that both countries always enjoyed outstanding bilateral relations based on mutual respect, trust, and common interests. The finance minister informed the ambassador about the ongoing post-flood reconstruction and rehabilitation projects being undertaken by the government. It was also shared that the government is highly concerned about the uplift of the masses through financial inclusion.
Henny Fokel de Vries reciprocated the same sentiments on bilateral relations. 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 the government of the Netherlands aims at enhancing the bilateral ties with Pakistan on various economic fronts as Pakistan being the fifth largest country by population offers a great destination for investment. The finance minister commended the investment proposals of the Netherlands and shared that provision of a business-friendly environment is the priority of the present government. The finance minister further highlighted multiple lucrative economic avenues in Pakistan in which both countries can further deepen their economic relations.
Separately, Ishaq Dar and Governor’s State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) Jameel Ahmad Wednesday discussed overall economic situation of the country during a meeting online.
Various fiscal and monetary measures were discussed for maintaining the economic growth and stability in the country, said a press release.
Tariq Bajwa, special secretary finance and other senior officers of the Finance Division attended the meeting. In conclusion, the governor thanked the finance minister for continuous support by the present government for the policy initiatives taken by the central bank.
Meanwhile, Dar Wednesday held a meeting with a delegation of Daraz led by its Managing Director (MD) Ehsan Saya.
The delegation expressed gratitude to the finance minister, shared their business profile and their contribution to the economic development of Pakistan. Dar said that the government was keen to see the IT sector develop and contribute to the economic development of Pakistan. “The government is giving a top priority to IT-related business activities in Pakistan,” he said.
