PM wants ease, incentives for expats sending remittances
ISLAMABAD
Underscoring the government’s resolve for timely completion of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that CPEC is a transformational project and both the countries should work closer to make it a high-quality demonstration project of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Talking to Chinese Ambassador Nong Rong on Friday, the prime minister underscored that Pakistan and China are ‘iron brothers’ and no hostile forces would be allowed to undermine this ‘iron-clad’ friendship.
He appreciated China’s consistent support to Pakistan in its fight against Covid-19 and provision of vaccines including those under the COVAX facility.
In the context of the regional situation, the prime minister reiterated that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan. He reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to steadfastly support efforts for a negotiated political settlement.
During the meeting, views were exchanged on China-Pakistan cooperation in trade, commerce and investment, CPEC, people-to-people contacts, mining and natural resources, vaccines, and mutual cooperation in other sectors.
Ambassador Nong Rong conveyed the cordial greetings from President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang to Prime Minister Khan. He also conveyed felicitations on Pakistan’s Independence Day. The prime minister warmly reciprocated the greetings of the Chinese leadership.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that consistent increase in foreign remittances depicts overseas Pakistanis’ confidence in the government’s policies.
The prime minister said this while presiding over a review meeting for the ease of overseas Pakistanis in sending remittances under the priority sectors and their further facilitation.
Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Special Assistant to the PM on Political Communication Dr Shehbaz Gill, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Dr Raza Baqir, Chairman National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) Muhammad Tariq Malik and other senior officers attended the meeting.
The prime minister directed to ensure facilitation for the overseas Pakistanis, describing them as the country’s precious asset.
The meeting was told that the Ministry of Finance and State Bank are working on a comprehensive package for the overseas Pakistanis which not only includes financial incentives and rewards in proportion to the remittances but the opening of beneficiary accounts and instant transfer of amounts are also being ensured. For the said system, a digital application was also in the preparation stages, it was further told.
The meeting was told that nine national institutions have been engaged for the provision of incentives ranging from the travelling facilities to the preparation of identity documents, purchase of essential items, payment of tax and relaxation in insurance and children’s educational expenditures. After the completion of work by early next month, the programme will be formally launched.
The prime minister directed to ensure the completion of work relating to the measures within the stipulated time. He directed that after formulating a strategy for strict monitoring of the plan, the portal should also be made part of it for the redressal of complaints of overseas Pakistanis.
