China and Saudi Arabia keen to invest more in Pakistan: PM’s aide on Finance

Islamabad: China and Saudi Arabia are keen to invest more in Pakistan, a key aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan said.

Speaking to journalists here, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin remarked China had already invested billions of dollars in Pakistan and was ready for even more investment.

“China and Saudi Arabia are keen to invest in Pakistan. There are also so many other countries who have investment interest in Pakistan,” he maintained.

He mentioned that China and Saudi Arabia wanted to invest in Pakistan in various sectors.

Tarin underlined the need of enhancement of exports and productivity to further improve national economy.

He noted that the country had sufficient electricity but there was shortage in gas sector, therefore, the people should use more electricity in the winter season and avoid wastage of gas.

He pointed out that, although, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had demanded increase in power tariff, the government did not have any intention to put more burden on poor masses.

The Adviser stressed the need for focusing on ‘free market’ to achieve growth target in near future.

Shaukat Tarin revealed that the government had allocated Pakistani Rs 1 trillion for the next four years for economic development and social sector development in the country.

This package, he elaborated, will be spent over the next four years through Industry and Agriculture, Ehsaas (care) Program, Agriculture and Successful Youth Program.

The Adviser said that an amount of Rs 260 billion will be spent through ‘Ehsaas program’ to provide relief to the deprived people in the society.

He underscored that the government was working hard to eradicate economic inequality and disparity in the country.

The PM’s aide stated that sustainable and inclusive economic growth is the first priority of the government, which will bring economic equality and stability in all sections of the society.

“The government wants to spend resources on the people but due to lack of resources it was delayed in some cases,” he added.

He emphasized that the role of Public and Private Charity institutions was very important in the country to provide relief to the people.