KARACHI, Aug 9: Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday appreciating the performance of the state-owned banks, role of State Bank and their managements, reiterated that the government is committed to giving a transparent banking system to the nation.
He was addressing the inauguration ceremony of the First Women Bank Limited’s (FWBL) new head office at Beaumont Road here.
The minister said that the housing, consumer financing, micro financing and agro financing were the sectors, which can bring about positive changes in the national economy as well as open new vistas of business for the banks.
The government is committed to providing enabling environment to the entrepreneurs as well as the banks to flourish side by side, he added.
Shaukat said the second generation reforms had ushered in more stability for the banks and the course would be pursued further for more stability. He also hinted for further reduction in the interest rates as a strategy to direct more money to the economic circle.
Appreciating the management of the FWBL as well as its President Zareen Aziz, the Finance Minister said the financial health of the Bank has experienced an absolute turnaround during the last couple of years.
Shaukat Aziz said the women empowerment is the key to success for any nation and the present government realizing this point, is determined to provide enabling environment, provide them opportunities so that they could contribute their share in nation-building pursuits.
Women in the house as mother, shape the personalities of their children, manage the house while outside the four walls of the house, are proving her competence and excellence due to her diversified exposure in various roles, he said.
“We need to open our mind and give them opportunities to play their role,” he remarked.—APP
