Staff Reporter Islamabad
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Shaukat Tarin has said that Pakistan was keen to further strengthen bilateral relations with Korea besides promoting trade and investment ties between the two countries.
Speaking during a meeting with Korean Ambassador, Suh Sang-Pyo who paid a courtesy call on him here on Tuesday, he thanked Korea for 3-year Framework Arrangement under which $500 million are being provided for projects in IT, education and health.
According to a press release issued by the finance minister, the sides exchanged views on economic potential and stressed the need to further promote mutual trade and investment linkages.
Expressing the desire of increasing exports to Korea, Shaukat Tarin briefed the Korean Ambassador about the recent economic developments and initiatives.
The incumbent government aims at achieving all- inclusive and sustainable economic growth with key focus on “bottom-up” approach, he said adding the government had chalked out short, medium and long term plans to spur growth in key priority areas.
The Finance Minister stated further that the government was coming up with a comprehensive policy for expansion of auto industry in Pakistan by increasing the production of cars, motorcycles, tractors etc.
He said, the government was determined to encourage and incentivize foreign investors who were keen to undertake investment ventures in respective fields.
The government also stands committed to revive the business and industry that has been hit hard due to Coronavirus pandemic.
Shaukat Tarin said, the ultimate focus of the government was employment generation, efficient resource mobilization and industrial growth.
He welcomed plans by Samsung to start cell phone assembly in Pakistan and promised full facilitation in this regard.
On the occasion, the Korean Ambassador thanked the Finance Minister for his time and underscored the importance of people-to-people contact between the two countries.
He also highlighted potential for furthering cooperation in hydropower generation and stated that Korean companies are satisfied with the business environment in the country.
The Finance Minister affirmed full support and cooperation on the occasion, the statement concluded.
