Mr. Sam Waldock, Development Director at the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), called on Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema to discuss bilateral cooperation, ongoing development initiatives, and Pakistan's reform agenda.
During the meeting, the Minister outlined the Government's ongoing efforts to reform the tariff policy and introduce comprehensive sector-specific policy reforms, including the mobile policy, industrial policy, and other initiatives aimed at enhancing economic competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth.
Mr. Sam Waldock welcomed the Government's efforts on tariff policy reforms and commended its agenda of sector-specific policy reforms. He reaffirmed the United Kingdom's continued commitment to supporting Pakistan's development priorities through ongoing collaboration in key sectors.
Minister Ahad Cheema acknowledged the FCDO's valuable support for the Strategic Initiatives Unit (SIU), which is strengthening policy implementation through embedded delivery mechanisms, as well as its assistance to the Governance Reforms Unit (GRU) in advancing institutional reforms.
The Minister explained that the current petroleum pricing mechanism has helped curb hoarding and improve market stability, contributing to greater transparency and efficiency. He emphasized that economic stability remains the Government's foremost priority. He said the Prime Minister personally chairs weekly meetings to review the performance of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and closely monitors development initiatives and key financial projects to ensure effective implementation.
He added that the Government is committed to strictly following the approved development roadmap, with the Planning Commission and other relevant departments working in close coordination. He further stated that all new development projects will undergo predictive analysis to enhance planning, improve efficiency, and ensure better utilization of public resources.
Mr. Sam Waldock commended the Government's reform measures in the power and petroleum sectors, recognizing the steps taken to improve sectoral performance and enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.
Concluding the meeting, Mr. Sam Waldock expressed confidence that Pakistan and the United Kingdom would continue to work closely in advancing their shared development objectives. Minister Ahad Cheema conveyed his gratitude for the United Kingdom's longstanding partnership and continued support for Pakistan's development and reform agenda.
