H.E Mr. Nicolas Galey Ambassador of France to Pakistan called on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar at Finance Division, today. During the meeting, matters of mutual interest, economic relations between the two countries and collaborative efforts in various sectors were discussed. Finance Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar welcomed Ambassador of France to Pakistan to Finance Division. She stated that both countries enjoy deep and historical relations. Finance Minister stated that Pakistan highly values its bilateral ties with the France including trade and economic relations. The Finance Minister apprised the French Ambassador about the economic reforms of the government that have brought economic and fiscal stability in the country. She informed that the government has successfully concluded first review of the SBA with IMF recently. Finance Minister also shared reform agenda of the interim government which aims to bring economic and fiscal stability in the country. The fiscal and current account deficit has narrowed. She further informed the Ambassador on key reforms being undertaken by the caretaker government including SOEs, privatization, forex exchange regime, and reforms in FBR. Finance Minister stated that the interim government would like to hand over economy to incoming political government in a positive trajectory which can continue the economic policies for the ultimate good of the people. The French Ambassador recognized the stabilization efforts of interim government through structural economic reforms. He said that the fiscal sustainability achieved by the government would be helpful to the new incoming political government. He also congratulated Finance Minister on concluding IMF review successfully. The Ambassador also expressed the desire to further deepen bilateral trade and investment ties with Pakistan In the end both countries agreed to further enhance economic relations, explore investment opportunities, and increase bilateral trade.
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