ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has emphasised to supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the agriculture sector enabling them to create greater job opportunities for the people.
The Prime Minister expressed these views while chairing a meeting here on Friday to review the economic situation and future outlook of the economy in wake of COVID-19 situation.
The Prime Minister said the process of reforming public sector enterprises (PSEs) should be expedited to plug leakages of the economy. He said the process of provision of subsidies should also be reviewed to make these interventions more effective and target-oriented.
The Prime Minister said that out of box solutions are needed to meet the present day economic challenges.
Discussing future economic outlook, the Prime Minister said that all efforts should be made to provide maximum possible relief to the people. He emphasized that priorities and targets for the next public sector development program should be clearly defined with a focus on completion of the projects rather than mere initiation.
He also underscored the need for maximum utilization of public-private partnership model and involving international development partners to enhance and broaden the scope of public sector development program.
Earlier, a detailed presentation was made by the Finance Ministry about the overall situation and the performance of various macroeconomic indicators during past nine months of the current financial year.
The Prime Minister was also apprised of the economic impact of COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan appreciated ‘Made in Pakistan’ initiative of Ministry of Science and Technology, focusing on boosting indigenous productivity in the face of coronavirus pandemic. This he stated while talking to Minister for Science and Technology Chaudhary Fawad Hussain who called on him on Friday.
The minister gave a detailed briefing on various products produced in Pakistan for corona virus, including face masks, protective clothing and other stuff. He also discussed with the Prime Minister the establishment of Biotechnology Park and manufacturing of agricultural equipment.
The Prime Minister appreciated performance of the ministry in preparation of products relating to coronavirus and other steps.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday felicitated his Iraqi counterpart Mustafa al-Kadhimi on his assumption of office as the prime minister of Iraq.
Prime Minister Khan expressed the confidence that under Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi’s leadership, the goals for reforms, national unity and development in Iraq would be further advanced.
Underlining the close fraternal ties between Pakistan and Iraq, Prime Minister Khan conveyed that he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Al-Kadhimi to further deepen bilateral cooperation in diverse fields. – TLTP
PM reiterates to support SMEs, agriculture field
