THE post-China-visit joint press conference held by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Shaukat Tarin at Islamabad on Saturday, after recounting the main outcome of Pakistan delegation's interaction with their Chinese counterparts, turned its focus on the economic crisis facing the country. Mr Qureshi maintained that the purpose of President Zardari's visit had been fully achieved and gave some details of the agreements reached at Beijing, have a bearing on economic development of the country. However, he referred to projects, which have long gestation periods, but both he and Mr Tarin were silent on whether they were able to secure the urgently needed help in achieving macroeconomic stability, our primary concern for the present. Facing questions about how he proposed to turn the corner in the worsening economic situation, Mr Tarin sounded very confident about tiding it over, and talked of his three plans: A, B and C. Should the first one not come off, he would have recourse to the other options. His meetings with the executives of the various IFIs in Washington had given him the feeling that they considered Pakistan's plan of action for getting out of the economic mess quite reasonable. Mr Tarin expected an assistance of between $3 billion and $3.5 billion; in fact, he believed that Pakistan would be able to secure much more than it needed. His second option was assistance from the Friends of Pakistan - a group of the country's well wishers - due to meet shortly in Dubai, while the third was recourse to the IMF, which, he pointed out, had also found that Pakistan's proposed prescription would remedy the situation. Mr Tarin's strong feeling was that the country would be "in good shape within 60 days", adding something concrete should materialise within 30 days. Governments and international agencies are not known for honouring their word when it comes to dishing out aid. Nevertheless, one would like to see that this time round it would be an exception. However, for that to materialise Islamabad will have to sign on the dotted line with IMF to get the money. The sooner the better if there is no other option. Scotching fears of dependence on foreign assistance, Mr Tarin assured a questioner that Pakistan would be able to stand on its feet within 24 months. His plans included the revival of agriculture, which was showing reduced production as well as productivity, develop industry and make growth sustainable, not consumption-based or imports-dependent. For the poor 30 percent of the population (seven million households), the government would not only give Rs 1,000 per household but also provide skill-based training to one member. He also voiced the idea of medical insurance of up to Rs 15,000 or so. These are, indeed, ideas that uplift the spirit in this period of gloom. But they depend on the availability of resources and proper implementation of plans. And there is many a slip betwixt the cup and the lip.