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In his remarks, the Minister shared the remarkable progress made by Pakistan in the macroeconomic sector through prudent fiscal policies which have resulted in economic growth rate of over 5.3 percent per annum. Major economic projects were under way, such as the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),that would generate business opportunities for foreign investors in coming years.
The security situation has improved considerably after successful military operations in the tribal areas as well as other parts of the country. Through the valiant efforts of Pakistan’s security forces and the determination of the entire nation, the country had reversed the tide of terrorism which had gripped it five years ago.
He also shared the various measures taken by the government including energy projects that will add 10,000 MW to the national energy supply. He was hopeful that power shortages could be fully overcome in the near future. By redressing the energy shortfall, the Government was keen to boost economic productivity.
The Minister also shared initiatives taken by the government to enhance education, empower women, improve healthcare and reduce poverty in Pakistan. He also sought support for the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor.
On Pak-US relations, the Minister expressed the hope that both countries would continue to work together in future as they had been strategic partners over the last seven decades.
Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry thanked the Minister for sharing his views on the occasion and helping to promote Pakistan’s positive image in the US.
The Forum was well attended with participants from US State Department, academia and members of the Pakistani American diaspora.
Federal Minister for Finance & Economic Affairs, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar delivered his keynote address. The session was well-attended by participants from think tanks, officials of Washington based organizations and notables of Pakistani American diaspora.
In his opening remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry dilated upon the importance of the event. He stated that Pakistan of today is a resurgent country going through a momentous transformation on both security and economic fronts. He expressed his strong hope that with the Present Govt’s vision and commitment, Pakistan is on track to record high economic growth and sustainable progress in various socio-economic sectors.
While delivering his address, Senator Ishaq Dar said that reforms under the present Govt. including structural reforms and fiscal policies have boosted the overall economic growth. He said that for the very first time, Pakistan has successfully completed the IMF’s Extended Fund Facility Program which is a complete break from the past. Over the past few years, Pakistan has significantly improved on economy, energy, extremism and education.
He said that efforts for improved regional connectivity and investment holds promise to Pakistan’s economic development, still, there is a need to accelerate country’s pace of growth to be able to harness the challenges which pose serious threat to the overall economy. He added that the resolution of Kashmir is vital to the regional peace.
The Minister further said that Pakistan is looking ahead to work closely with the Trump Administration to further enhance and strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.
In his remarks, he commented that Pakistani Diaspora is playing an important role in acting as a bridge between Pakistan and the US to further bilateral relations.
While responding to a question, he said CPEC offers Pakistan an excellent opportunity to upgrade the basic infrastructure of all provinces and will bring prosperity and connectivity to the country. The project will bring in lots of investments into infrastructure and energy sectors.
April 25, 2017
Washington D.C
Mr. Ziad Alahdad, leading energy expert and the former Director of World Bank and Mr. Shahid Javed Burki, the eminent economist, who is currently associated with Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington DC, led the discussion. Mr. Ziad Alahdad presented a paper highlighting various dimensions of Pakistan’s energy sector and its challenges.
In his opening remarks Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani described the objective of the establishment of the Forum. He said that instead of a defensive or reactive approach the Embassy was adopting a proactive approach to provide avenues of engagement on public policy matters in the national and regional context. He expressed hope that the debates held under the Forum would help counter negative portrayal of Pakistan in the public domain through sustained engagement with experts and policy community with a veracity of perspectives.
Ambassador Jilani also noted that the Embassy Forum would also build up a resource base in the form of pools of experts to project and promote our policies in the positive light. It also expected to expand the circle of friends of Pakistan by adopting an inclusive approach, through listening to sane voices and blunting the negative stream of information. Through this initiative the Embassy intends to institutionalize linkages between experts, academicians, and scholars in Pakistan and the U.S.
The Embassy plans to host a series of events under the umbrella of Pakistan Embassy Forum on different issues including economy, health, education, water, extremism, etc. in which experts from both United States and Pakistan would be invited to participate.
The initiative would help initiate and sustain a Pakistan-specific positive discourse in the United States. It is also geared to conveying and building Pakistan’s image as a country open to debate and constructive engagement on issues of interest and import.
The participants of the Forum took keen interest in the discussion and appreciated the Embassy’s openness to debate, that highlighted the transparency in governance policies.
The initiative is part of Embassy’s efforts to enhance people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the United States, as agreed between the leadership of two countries at the highest level.
Pakistan Embassy plans to host the next session of the Forum in January, 2017.
December 01, 2016
Washington
