ISLAMABAD-Pakistan and Iran on Friday discussed the matters of common interests and reiterated resolve to promote economic and trade linkages between the two countries by building upon historical ties, geographical proximity, cultural affinities and economic commonalities. Hassan Abghari, Deputy Minister of Economic and Finance Affairs and Managing Director of Iran Foreign Investment Company (IFIC) of the Islamic Republic of Iran, called on the Minister for Finance and Revenue Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh at the Finance Division Friday.
Minister for Finance and Revenue, Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh extended a warm welcome to the Deputy Minister of Economic and Finance Affairs who was accompanied by the Deputy Head of Mission Muhammad Surkhabi, Embassy of Iran. They exchanged views on matters of common interests and reiterated resolve to promote economic and trade linkages between the two countries by building upon historical ties, geographical proximity, cultural affinities and economic commonalities. The finance minister emphasized to find ways for furthering trade relations. The Pakistan Iran Investment Company can play a pivotal role in strengthening trade and investment between the two countries, he added.
The finance minister briefed deputy minister that government of Pakistan is pursuing a broad-based economic reform agenda to achieve export led growth and sustainable economic development. He apprised about the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and outlined socio-economic measures taken by the Government of Pakistan to lessen the adverse impact of the pandemic on marginalized sections of the society. The government announced largest ever Fiscal Stimulus Package and introduced the strategy of a smart lockdown to protect the vulnerable segments of the society which has been acknowledged worldwide, he stated.
The current government is firmly committed to correct fundamentals of the economy through effective policy making and targeted reforms with an aim to achieving sustainable and inclusive growth strategy, he concluded.