Economic crises over, future is bright: SBP Governor

KARACHI: Governor, State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Dr. Reza Baqar on Monday assured that the country has come out of the economic crises as it has achieved economic stability including financial one, which has created investors' confidence that is very positive signal.

" Uncertainty and instability was a serious challenge to the country, which is now over as the economic team tackled the situation very effectively. Pakistan's future is bright" he said while speaking at his first interaction with media here at the SBP Building. He also answered questions by journalists in Islamabad through video link.

He said the present government had assigned two major tasks to its economic team that is, bringing economic stability and ensuring inclusive economic growth in the country; where there is improvement in the life of the common man. The two main reasons for the economic instability were : external deficit and fiscal deficit.

Now, these were being addressed effectively and in credible manner. The external/trade deficit situation was improving.

He said it was very positive development that the government had pledged not to borrow from State Bank of Pakistan. Instead, he added, it would borrow from the money market. This would save State Bank of Pakistan from printing new notes which pushed inflation.

About the exchange rate, SBP Governor said a fixed rate or free float currency policy  were not in favour of the country. Rather, SBP had adopted the market-based policy for it. With increase it exchange rate, the trade deficit was coming down.

Regarding the key interest rate, Dr. Reza Baqar said SBP's Monetary Policy Committee did take into account the projected inflation before fixing it.

"We shall be fighting inflation to our best," he reassured adding that the interest rate was the best tool to control inflation.

He said State Bank had to work for three objectives including financial stability, maintaining exchange rate and for sustained economic growth.

He defended the agreement being signed with IMF maintaining that it had sent positive signals to the entire world about financial stability in Pakistan that had also built confidence among the local and foreign investors. After that, Pakistan Stock Exchange also strengthened.

"Going for IMF loan, every thing was being done in the interest of the country," he said and that all IMF conditions were dully fulfilled.

He informed the media that on July 3, 2019 IMF Board of Directors' meeting would be held and all details would be dully published which would make the things clear about the deal with the world credit body.

Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, Dr. Reza Baqar, to a question  from media, said the depreciation of Pakistan Rupee against US dollar was the impact of the decisions taken by the past government.

" Now, we have come  with right policies. We must be looking forward," he said.

To another question, he replied that State Bank would be working for inflexible inflation targets. The inflationary control was SBP's main consideration.

About the friendly countries' financial support to Pakistan, he said they had assured to continue the same in future as well.

" It is very positive thing, outside world is also supporting Pakistan," he remarked.

He made it clear once again that as Pakistan had adopted the demand and supply approach for the exchange rate, the dollar would be moving up and down as seen during last two months.

The Governor State Bank assured the media that he and his team would maintain strong rapport with the media of the country to better project the Central bank's policies and the achievements aimed at financial stability and sustained economic growth.

The Governor was assisted by SBP's Chief Economist Dr. Saeed Ahmed and Chief Spokesman Abid Qamar.