Canada expresses support for Pakistan’s socio-economic development

Islamabad: Canadian High Commissioner to Pakistan Leslie Scanlon called on Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb in Islamabad on Wednesday (today).

The Finance Minister informed the High Commissioner about the successful completion of the nine-month Stand-By Arrangement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

He said that the government is currently in talks with the IMF mission for further engagement.

He also apprised the High Commissioner about government's key priority reform areas which include improving Tax-to-GDP ratio by bringing untaxed segments into the tax net, end to end digitalization and administrative reforms.

The Finance Minister, while mentioning the privatization initiatives, affirmed Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's commitment to privatize State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

He said that a positive response has been received from local and foreign investors for privatization of Pakistan International Airlines.

He also emphasized the role of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) as a pragmatic single-window platform, designed to streamline investment processes and attract foreign investments.

Canadian High Commissioner Leslie Scanlon acknowledged the efforts of government to improve the country's economy.

She assured that the Canadian government will continue to support the socio-economic development of Pakistan.