ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s finance minister Miftah Ismail met US Charge d’ Affaires Angela P. Aggeler on Wednesday to discuss bilateral economic relations, as the new government attempts to steer Pakistan out of its economic woes.
Pakistan is grappling with a huge fiscal deficit crisis which swelled to $13.2 billion in the first nine months of the current fiscal year. Pakistan’s fiscal deficit is expected to rise as its foreign currency reserves continue to remain low.
Ismail extended a warm welcome to Aggeler, saying that Washington and Islamabad enjoyed a long-term, broad-based and multi-dimensional relationship.
“The Finance Minister further highlighted the economic agenda and policies of the new government with aim to bring about economic and fiscal stability,” stated a press release from the Press Information Department (PID).
Ismail told the US envoy that the government was focused on creating a business-friendly environment and added that attracting investment from the US for Pakistan’s various sectors was the government’s top priority.
Aggeler, in turn, expressed “full support” from the US government to Pakistan and recognized the good relations enjoyed by the two countries.
“The Finance Minister thanked Ms. Angela P. Aggeler, Charge d’ Affaires and reiterated the desire of the present government to further deepen bilateral trade and investment ties with the USA,” concluded the press release.
Ismail is also expected to accompany Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who will leave for a three-day trip to Saudi Arabia today, Thursday, to secure aid from the kingdom.
