ISLAMABAD: Hela Cheikhrouhou, Regional Vice President of International Finance Corporation (IFC) for Middle East, Central Asia, Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan called on Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue and Economic Affairs Dr Shamshad Akhtar at Finance Division, Thursday.

The meeting was attended by Khawaja Aftab Ahmed, IFC Regional Director, Najy Benhassine, Country Director, World Bank, Zeeshan Shaikh, Country Manager, IFC Pakistan and senior officials from Economic Affairs and Finance Division.

Welcoming Hela Cheikhrouhou, Finance Minister stated that the government is paying attention to improve capital market, insurance industry, export-oriented growth and establishment of special economic zones to boost exports. The insurance industry can play important role in offering a social safety net mechanism, encouraging building of sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure in Pakistan. If liquidity from insurance sector is effectively deployed it can trigger development of the capital markets.

The Finance Minister highlighted the current economic situation of Pakistan and said that the government is committed to introduce reform in various sectors to address the long outstanding structural issues. She shared reform agenda and economic reforms of the interim government that have brought economic & fiscal stability in the country. The Finance Minister encouraged IFC to concentrate its private sector operations in insurance sector, export-oriented business and export processing zones.

Hela Cheikhrouhou appreciated the steps taken by the government in economic and financial sectors for improvement in the economy of Pakistan. She extended her all out support for the progress and betterment of economic agenda of the country.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2023