Foreign exchange SBP reserves jump $14m to $11.5b

The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 0.12% on a weekly basis

PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI:
The foreign exchange reserves held by the central bank increased 0.12% on a weekly basis, according to data released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Thursday.

Earlier, the reserves had spiralled downwards, falling below the $7-billion mark, which raised concern over Pakistan's ability to meet its financing requirements. However, financial assistance from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia and other friendly nations helped shore up the foreign exchange reserves.

Foreign exchange: SBP reserves jump $14m to $11.5b

On January 3, the foreign currency reserves held by the SBP were recorded at $11,503.7 million, up $14 million compared with $11,489.4 million in the previous week.


The central bank cited no reason for the increase in reserves.

Overall, liquid foreign currency reserves held by the country, including net reserves held by banks other than the SBP, stood at $18,084.8 million. Net reserves held by banks amounted to $6,581.1 million.

Pakistan received the first loan tranche of $991.4 million from the IMF on July 9 last year, which helped bolster the reserves. In late December, the IMF released the second loan tranche of $454 million.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 10th, 2020.

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