Govt focusing on uplifting poorer segment: Tarin

Prime Minister Imran Khan is committed to inclusive and sustainable economic growth that benefits all segments of society, especially the poor, said Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin.

Speaking at a seminar on Pakistan’s economy in Washington on Friday, the minister highlighted the economic priorities of the government and shared that prudent fiscal reforms had helped improve the tax-to-GDP ratio, curb current account and fiscal deficits and improve revenue collection.

“Increase in tax collection and broadening of the tax base are key targets of the government’s fiscal agenda,” he added.

Tarin held the view that modernisation was required in priority sectors including agriculture, IT and industry to increase exports.

Pakistan was establishing 24 Special Economic Zones under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to attract foreign investment, he said.

The minister thanked overseas Pakistanis for supporting the economy by sending higher remittances to their home country.

Talking about the steps taken to help the underprivileged segment, he said the Kamyab Pakistan programme would facilitate the poorer section of society in achieving self-sufficiency and would help fulfill Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision of creating a welfare state.

On the occasion, Pakistan Ambassador to the US Dr Asad Khan gave a brief overview of the state of bilateral ties between Pakistan and the US.

He referred to the recent ministerial-level exchanges between the two countries and said that both sides discussed energy, trade, climate change and security.

State Bank of Pakistan Deputy Governor Dr Murtaza Syed briefed the audience about the steps taken by the central bank to stabilise the economy of Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 16^th, 2021.

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