The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on Thursday unwrapped the economic survey of its third year in power.
During a press briefing, Tarin announced special incentives for important ministries such as housing and construction.
“The Covid-driven survey revealed that when Covid-19 started, the working population was 55.74 million and this figure dropped to 35 million meaning nearly 20 million people were laid off
Due to the prudent policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan, the working population has been restored to 53 million people meaning that gap of only 2.5 million people remains.
Despite obstacles, decisions taken by this government, and the incentives given by this government, showed a prominent growth.
Read more: Market watch: KSE-100 rises 118 points on budget optimism
Remittances clocked in at a record high, surpassing $26 billion during the year under review. The minister said they are expected to amount to $29 billion.
Crude oil price rose 119% and the government did not pass on the price to consumers.
However, the wheat price rose 29% and had to raise it 29% as well.
Tarin mentioned that the government was trying to control inflation. “We have to enhance production; hence, the budget focuses on agriculture.”
Agriculture
Tarin mentioned that the government was trying to control inflation. “We have to enhance production; hence, the budget focuses on agriculture.”
“We have to become net exporter so we can control market prices,” he added.
Sharing plans for the next fiscal year the minister said that the government will introduce cold storages and commodity warehousing to decrease margins of a middleman.
“We need administrative measures such as price control,” he emphasised.
The finance minister said that the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) is the fourth-best capital market in the world and best in Asia.
Pakistan raised $2.5 billion in the international market. Demand was $5.3 billion but we went for $2.5b
“Debt is not a good thing but it is, however, necessary,” he said.
Tarin said that the government tried to enhance surplus capacity. Broadband subscribers have hit 100 million users with 48% penetration rate.
Development programmes
Ehsaas programme is one of the best programmes introduce worldwide. 15 million families have so far benefited from this programme.
Emergency cash was given to all these families. Prime Minister introduced the Kamyab Jawam programme and 8500-9000 people have registered so far.
During the fiscal year under review, one billion trees have been planted. All credit rating agencies reaffirmed their support, which means the stabilisation programme has succeeded.
“Now we have to move towards growth,” Tarin reiterated.
Industries
Lower segments would be given top priority in growth strategy.
“Our focus will be on SMEs and exports,” the minister revealed. Amount of loans given to 6-8 million SMEs clock in at 1.8 million.
“We will shift from traditional exports and transform it along with fixing large scale manufacturing sector.”
The strategy also includes the dire need for a paradigm shift to increase exports. The Commerce Ministry has been directed to identify sectors that need relaxation.
(This is a developing story and will be updated accordingly)
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