LONDON: Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb has said that global investors’ interest in Pakistan is increasing again, citing progress on economic reforms and the country’s timely completion of reviews under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme.
Addressing the Pakistan Investment Roundtable organised by the Pakistan High Commission in London, the finance minister said the government was continuing fiscal and institutional reforms aimed at achieving economic stability and sustainable development.
Aurangzeb said progress had been made in reducing the budget deficit, improving government revenues and advancing tax reforms. He added that the government was also focusing on the reform and privatization of state-owned enterprises, improvements in the energy sector, financial transparency and measures to facilitate ease of doing business.
The finance minister stressed the need to broaden the country’s tax base and ensure effective implementation of existing laws. He also said that no new additional taxes had been imposed on the salaried class.
Referring to recent economic challenges, Aurangzeb highlighted the impact of floods as well as developments in the Middle East. Despite these challenges, he said Pakistan offered significant investment opportunities.
According to the finance minister, international investor interest was improving as Pakistan had completed its IMF reviews on time, while the country’s credit rating had also improved.
The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, during which participants discussed investment opportunities, Pakistan’s economic situation and cooperation with international financial institutions.
