ISLAMABAD, The Ambassador of the Netherlands to Pakistan, H.E. Mrs. Henny De Vries, met with Caretaker Federal Minister for Finance, Revenue, and Economic Affairs, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, to discuss bilateral economic relations and mutual cooperation.

According to the Press Information Department, the meeting held at the Finance Division in Islamabad focused on various aspects of the economic relationship between Pakistan and the Netherlands. The Secretary of the Economic Affairs Division and senior officers from the Finance Division were also present. A significant topic of discussion was the upcoming elections in the Netherlands, with both parties emphasizing the importance of democratic processes.

Ambassador De Vries congratulated Dr. Akhtar on Pakistan’s successful negotiations in the Staff Level Agreement of the 1st Review of the IMF Pakistan Standby Arrangement (SBA) and noted the overall improvement in Pakistan’s economic situation. Dr. Akhtar highlighted the government’s reforms in several sectors, particularly those aimed at expanding the tax net through the “Broadening of the Tax Base” initiative led by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). These reforms underscore the government’s commitment to improving the country’s Tax to GDP ratio and further reducing the current account deficit.

The Minister also requested the Ambassador to focus more on the Dutch Fellowship Program, a key foreign-funded scholarship program for Pakistani students. Ambassador De Vries acknowledged the positive momentum in Pakistan’s economic recovery, particularly in agriculture, services, and industry sectors. She appreciated the Pakistani government’s initiatives for financial inclusion, especially targeting women, and measures to enhance women’s labor participation to boost the country’s social and economic development.

The Ambassador expressed the Netherlands’ commitment to increasing investment in Pakistan. The meeting also covered important issues like post-flood rehabilitation and the impact of climate change on Pakistan, especially in the context of the upcoming 28th session of the UNFCCC’s Conference of Parties (CoP) in Dubai.

In conclusion, Minister Akhtar reaffirmed Pakistan’s strong commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with the Netherlands and exploring collaborative efforts for the mutual benefit of both countries.