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Focus on export growth to attain self-reliance, says Shaukat

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday said the government is focusing on the exports growth to make the country self-reliant.

Shaukat Aziz said the another major area of reforms would be restructuring of taxation system which includes reduction in number of taxes and expanding the net generation of more revenues.

He made these remarks during a meeting with the delegation of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) led by Ma Yue, Vice Chairman of CCPIT, here.

The two sides discussed issues relating to the promotion of bilateral trade between Pakistan and China.

The delegation is currently visiting Pakistan to attend first meeting of Pak-China Business Council comprising CCPIT members from Chinese side and FPCCI from Pakistan side.

The finance minister also briefed the delegation about the challenges facing the economy and the steps taken by the government to improve it.

He said the policies, which the government is pursuing will bring about economic stability and result in economic growth, creation of employment and poverty reduction.

The priority areas are agriculture, small and medium enterprises development, petroleum and energy and information technology, he added.

Ma Yue appreciated the economic revival plan announced by the government and expressed the hope that it would help Pakistan in achieving the desired results.

He apprised the minister that China is also going through economic reforms particularly privatisation and restructuring of state-owned enterprises.

China is focusing on developing its western part which due to its proximity to Pakistan would help in increasing the trade and economic activity on both sides, he added.

Both sides were of the view that the forum of Pak-China Business Council would help in identifying the areas for enhanced bilateral economic activities and appreciated the initiative taken by the Chambers in bringing the two countries closer.

The minister also appreciated the close ties between the two countries and expressed the hope that trade, investment and economic relations would grow even further. APP