Making foreign exchange reserves sustainable
Islamabad has realised it need to improve its import coverage of reserves to be prepared for uncertainties.
Mohiuddin Aazim
Dynamics of deposit mobilisation
Banks are finding it difficult to generate deposits as interest rates are down and the economy is in bad shape
Why getting foreign investment is difficult
Economic fundamentals are not strong for attaining sustainable economic growth and development.
Exchange rate issues still alive
Once imports start growing, the consequent increase in demand for dollars may bring the rupee under pressure
Dynamics of domestic debt growth
Tax revenues may remain insufficient if the focus is only on taxing the already-taxed.
Taming inflation is difficult
The PTI government should improve coordination between fiscal and monetary authorities.
Early signs of a pickup in private sector credit
From the beginning of this fiscal year, the pace of banks’ gross lending to the private sector is somewhat faster than last year.
Low savings invite larger foreign funds
It has become evident to economic managers that keeping the investment-savings gap at very high levels is not viable.
Needed: renewed focus on SMEs
Benefits of concessional finance and other incentives-laden schemes by SBP would result in revival of a limited number of SMEs.
Increase in meat exports comes at a price
Beef and mutton prices have gone up sharply in the last two years while their exports rose substantially.
The quality of the C/A deficit cut
Are economic managers confident that exports that did not grow in the last fiscal year will start increasing now?
Growing domestic debt
Under the PTI government, the tenor of domestic debt has shifted from short term to long term.
Let’s watch exchange rates closely
Pakistan will still need billions of dollars for external debt servicing despite foreign debt rollovers
Risking food security ... again
The provinces cannot hide the incapability they have shown so far in energising agriculture by blaming the Centre.
Addressing food security concerns
Agricultural initiatives require fuller coordination between federal and provincial authorities
Need for transparency and accountability
DURING a national emergency, like the present one triggered by Covid-19, greater transparency in the implementation...
Banks are making huge interest income
Relaxed rules for treatment of bad loans in wake of Covid-19 may help banks in the second quarter.
Aiming for food trade balance
Instead of trying to contain food imports, the government should direct part of the economic stimulus package towards food import substitution
Monetary easing amid Covid-19
An increase in the federal government’s borrowing from banks can be a good thing under current circumstances owing to...
We need faster credit distribution
Banks realise they have missed an opportunity by ignoring loan requirements of tech startups