Country
Director Asian Development Bank for Pakistan Ms. Xiaohong Yang called on Prime
Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi at Prime Minister’s office today.
Mr. Asad Aleem,
senior Energy Specialist ADB Pakistan, Ms. Farzana Noshaba, Senior Economic
Officer, Secretary Economic Affairs Division Mr. Arif Ahmed Khan and senior
officers were also present during the meeting.
Ms. Xiaohong
Yang appreciated the progress that the country has made towards overcoming
energy-deficit by producing surplus generation. She also noted robust economic
growth which she said was projected to reach 5.8% during the next financial
year, enhanced revenue generation and structural reforms being undertaken and
continued by the present government. Marked improvement in power sector has not
only brought relief to domestic consumers but is also leading to growth in
large scale manufacturing. She also observed that credit rating of the country
has significantly improved during the recent years and the investors were
showing keen interest to take benefit of the existing investment opportunities
in Pakistan. Pakistan’s return to international financial market was a clear
indication of investors’ confidence in country’s economy.
Ms. Yang
assured the Prime Minister that ADB would continue to provide its financial and
technical expertise in all mutually agreed areas. Besides reiterating continued
commitment of ADB in the energy sector, Ms. Yang also offered financial and
technical support and expertise in the gas sector as well as introduction of
structural reforms in state owned entities including Pakistan Railways and
Pakistan International Airlines.
Prime Minister
thanked ADB for continued support to infrastructure projects and expressed his
optimism that the relationship will grow further as Pakistan enters high
economic growth.
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