Islamabad, 11 August 2022 (TDI): Dr. Riina Kionka, the European Union’s (EU) Ambassador to Pakistan, met with the Federal Minister of Finance and Revenue of Pakistan, Miftah Ismail.

In a tweet, the Ambassador thanked the Pakistani Finance Minister for the “open discussion of fiscal and monetary matters in Pakistan.”

The meeting took place in the Finance Division. It was attended by Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Special Secretary Finance, and other senior officers.

Miftah Ismail welcomed the EU Ambassador and emphasized bilateral relations and development cooperation between the EU and Pakistan.

He stated that Pakistan places a high value on bilateral relations with the EU, including trade and economic relations. Moreover, he stressed the importance of further strengthening Pakistan-EU trade relations.

The Finance Minister also updated the EU Ambassador on recent economic developments and current government policies.

Along these lines, he stated that the current government’s top priorities are increasing revenue collection, increasing exports, increasing remittances, and making the energy sector more sustainable.

The two sides also talked about issues of mutual interest and cooperation, such as the status of GSP Plus. Additionally, Ambassador Dr. Riina Kionka on her part also highlighted Pakistan-EU relations in a variety of fields.

She praised the current government’s ongoing economic reform agenda. The Ambassador also expressed her support for Pakistan’s efforts to advance toward GSP Plus and extended her cooperation.

Lastly, the Finance Minister of Pakistan thanked the EU Ambassador for her cooperation as well as assured her of the Finance Ministry’s full support.