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Governor State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Reza Baqir, has welcomed Moody’s change in outlook on Pakistan from negative to stable.
He noted that this positive development reflects the recognition of tough decisions taken by the economic policymakers over recent months including the step to devalue the exchange rate to a market based system since May 2019.
The following steps have made our exports competitive, curbed expensive imports and given an incentive to domestic industries to compete with imports, and resulted in a sustained improvement in the current account which has been the key driver of the increase in SBP’s reserves net of liabilities, he added.
Commenting on the increase in the stock market, he said this is also a reflection of the improving market sentiment and a growing reflection that the country’s finances are on a sustainable footing. The country’s benchmark index emerged as the number one as per Bloomberg in the last three months with 36 percent gains.
The Governor also emphasized that while such market developments are welcome, it is critical to ensure that the emerging financial improvements are translated into real gains for the middle and lower income classes.
These sections of the society have borne the bulk of the burden of adjustments from higher income taxes deducted at source for salaried workers, higher indirect taxes, and higher inflation. Rising inflation has partly been the result of the need to restore competitiveness in the exchange rate, increased administered prices to reduce fiscal deficits in the public sector, and unforeseen food supply disruptions. he added.
The structural constraints on private investment, as reflected in ease-of-doing business indicators, have to be addressed further to stimulate private job creation and eventually raise incomes.
Furthermore, the Governor added that it is equally important to address food supply disruptions and curtail hoarding in food markets to bring down prices. The Governor emphasized that coordinated work in these areas is critical to ensure that the strengthening market sentiment translates into improving the livelihood of the people, particularly in the middle and lower income brackets.
Addressing a joint press conference at the PID in Islamabad, Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar conceded that food inflation was persistently on the higher side because of seasonal supply constraints as well as hoarding and some other management issues.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Chairman FBR Shabbar Zaidi and Special Secretary Finance Omar Hamid Khan accompanied him. Seasonal impact has resulted into rising inflationary pressures as halting of trade with India also led to food inflation. Hoarding and mismanagement issues also contributed to it, he said.
Source: Pro Pakistani