Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Ishaq Dar said that, "The economic co-operation between Pakistan and France will not only continue but will further grow in future." He made these remarks during a meeting with French Ambassador, Martine Dorance who called on him at the Finance Division and discussed matters of bilateral interest here on Tuesday.
The Ambassador was accompanied by the French Political/Press Councillor and the Head of Economic Department at the French Embassy in Islamabad. The Finance Minister welcomed the French Ambassador and her colleagues and appreciated the long standing friendly relationship between Pakistan and France.
The French Ambassador thanked the Finance Minister for the warm welcome. She appreciated the efforts being made by Pakistan to introduce reforms in various sectors which have provided a macroeconomic stability to the country. She also appreciated the efforts of the current government to introduce international best practices in the country and improve governance through action against corruption and bribery.
The French Ambassador informed the Finance Minister about the interest shown by the French investors in supporting clean energy projects of Pakistan. She said, "The French Agency for International Development (ADF) is keen to support Pakistan in developing clear energy projects which can contribute effectively towards Climate Change initiatives."
The Finance Minister appreciated the continued collaboration which Pakistan receives from the French Agency for Development. The Finance Minister informed that Pakistan is actively engaged with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and has recently signed the Multilateral Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance and is considering to join the OECD convention on Combating Bribery. The French Ambassador said, "Pakistan's ongoing engagements with the OECD are an important signal to international community of Pakistan's commitment to improve governance and transparency."
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Finance and the Economic Affairs Division.