ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Minister for Finance, Revenue & Economic Affairs, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, welcomed the Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mrs. Henny De Vries, at the Finance Division during her visit on Tuesday.
The meeting, attended by senior officers from the Finance Division and the Secretary EAD, discussed diverse aspects of bilateral economic relations.
Key points of discussion included the upcoming elections in the Netherlands, underscoring the shared commitment to democratic processes.
Ambassador Henny De Vries extended congratulations to Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar for the successful Staff Level Agreement on the 1st Review of IMF Pakistan Standby Arrangement (SBA) and commended overall economic improvements in Pakistan.
Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar outlined government reforms, focusing on tax base expansion through the “Broadening of the Tax Base” initiative led by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This initiative aims to enhance the Tax to GDP ratio and reduce the Current Account deficit. The Minister also urged the Ambassador to renew focus on the Dutch Fellowship Program, a significant foreign-funded scholarship program for Pakistani students.
Ambassador Henny De Vries acknowledged positive economic recovery momentum, highlighting resurgence in agriculture, services, and industry sectors. She praised government initiatives for financial inclusion, particularly those benefiting women, and commended measures to boost women’s labor participation for social and economic development. The Ambassador expressed the Netherlands’ commitment to increasing investments in Pakistan.
The discussion extended to pressing issues, including post-flood rehabilitation and the impact of climate change on Pakistan, especially in the context of the upcoming 28th session of UNFCCC’s Conference of Parties (CoP) in Dubai.
Minister Dr. Shamshad Akhtar affirmed a strong commitment to reinforcing diplomatic ties with the Netherlands and fostering collaborative efforts for mutual benefit.
