— Says IMF will soon visit Pakistan
— Tells India will face losses due to increased duties
— Emphasises ‘need to groom professionals’
ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government is regularly holding talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Addressing the Business Leaders Conference in Islamabad, the finance minister said that the government is regularly holding sessions with the IMF and had two technical sessions last week and have over one interaction every week.
“The government will again talk with the IMF this week and we are sharing economic data with them,” he continued. Umar added, “Following the finalisation of terms, an IMF mission will visit Pakistan.”
Responding to a question, Umar said, “India will face losses following an increase in duties on Pakistani products. Pakistan will not face any burden after the increase in duties.”
Umar also asserted that the country cannot progress till professionals are given opportunities: “We will make maximum use of the development capacity of Pakistan and the country cannot progress till professionals are given opportunities.”
“Grooming of professionals is imperative to improve the quality of governance in the country,” Umar said. “Capabilities of professionals can be utilised in the best manner through providing them incentives,” he added.
Upholding that collaborations between the government and private sector improve the performance of all sectors, Umar said, “Professional training is of vital importance for ensuring good governance.”
“The incumbent government is taking all possible steps for the welfare of the trader community,” he added.