ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar on Thursday said that Pakistan was keen to work with the United Kingdom for further strengthening bilateral ties and broaden economic cooperation.
Talking to Acting British High Commissioner Richard Crowder who called on him in Islamabad, the minister said that after having achieved macroeconomic stability, the government was now focused on attaining higher, sustainable and inclusive economic growth.
The minister and the Acting High Commissioner discussed the current state of bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
He said that Pakistan achieved a GDP growth rate of 5.28 percent in fiscal year 2016-17, the highest in a decade, and the growth target for FY 2017-18 was set at 6 percent.
Pakistan and the UK have a strong and historic partnership with mutual cooperation in various areas, he added.
He appreciated the continued support of the British government including through Department for International Development (DFID), for different initiatives and projects in Pakistan aimed at socio-economic development.
The Acting High Commissioner briefed the Finance Minister on the upcoming Family Planning Summit being hosted by DFID in London on July 10-11, 2017.
He was accompanied by Deputy Head of DFID in Pakistan Judith Herbertson.
Secretary Economic Affairs Division also participated in the meeting.
