Ashfaq discusses Pakistan’s economy with UAE authorities
By Adnan Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Advisor Finance Ministry and Director General Debt Office, Dr. Ashfaq Hassan Khan who visited Dubai in connection with Board meeting of Pak-Libya Holding Company discussed Pakistan’s economy and investment opportunities with the UAE authorities and international bankers.
Dr. Khan told APP here on his return from UAE that during his stay in Dubai, he had several meetings with the heads of many international banks, financial institutions,investors and the government officials of the UAE, besidesaddressing the Pakistani bankers and business leaders living there. He said that he also called on Dr. Muhammad K. Khairbash Minister of State for Finance and Industry of UAE as well as Chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank. Dr. Khan said that he conveyed the personal regards of PrimeMinister Shaukat Aziz to Dr. Khairbash.
He also informed him about the current state of Pakistan’seconomy, further challenges and the impact of recent earthquake on the economy. Dr. Khan said that he thanked Dr. Khairbash for hiscountry’s generous contributions to Pakistan in the President’s Relief Fund for earthquake victims. Dr. Khan said that Dr. Khairbash was highly appreciative of recent economic development in Pakistan particulary of the leaderships of President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz for turning an almost default economy to a resurgent and vibrant economy.
Dr. Khan said that Dr. Kahairbash also stated that a strong economy of Pakistan is a source of inspiration for all of us. He also stated that the UAE government and Pakistan have always enjoyed strong brotherly relations and his country would play its role in further strengthening the economic relations.
Advisor Finance Ministry, Dr. Ashfaq Hassan Khan said that he also discussed with Dr. Kahairbash the trade and investment opportunities that exist in Pakistan and also invited him to take benefit of these opportunities. Dr. Khairbash pointed out that Dubai Islamic Bank has already entered Pakistan and going forward and it would play an active role in the development of country’s economy.
Dr. Ashfaq Hassan Khan said that he also called on Abdullah Al Ghurair Chairman of the Al Ghurair Group and Mashriq Bank and conveyed the personal regards of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz. “I also met the senior bankers of HSBC bank, Citi Bank, Douche bank, ABN Amro bank, Standard Chartered bank and Dubai Islamic bank” Dr.Khan said. He added that he discussed with them the prospects of Pakistan going to international capital and equity markets.