S&P improves Pakistan's credit-rating outlook, GDP growth projections

Published May 5, 2015
The per-capita GDP was estimated to increase 4.3pc to about $1,460 this year, from 5.4pc in 2014. S&P affirmed Pakistan's 'B-' long-term and 'B' short-term sovereign credit ratings. 
 ─ Reuters/File
The per-capita GDP was estimated to increase 4.3pc to about $1,460 this year, from 5.4pc in 2014. S&P affirmed Pakistan's 'B-' long-term and 'B' short-term sovereign credit ratings. ─ Reuters/File

Standard and Poor's (S&P) Ratings Services on Monday revised projections for Pakistan's average real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth for 2015 to 2017 to 4.6 per cent from 3.8 per cent and also upped its outlook on Pakistan's long-term 'B-' credit rating to ‘positive’ from ‘stable’.

The per-capita GDP was estimated to increase 4.3pc to about $1,460 this year, from 5.4pc in 2014. S&P affirmed Pakistan's 'B-' long-term and 'B' short-term sovereign credit ratings.

S&P attributes the largely positive projections to diversification in income generation, the government's efforts towards fiscal consolidation, improvement in external financing conditions and performance, and stronger capital inflows and remittances.

Lower oil prices have also contributed towards bolstering business confidence and investment expenditure.

GDP per capita

GDP per capita is expected to average 2.6pc over the period 2015-2019 due to greater confidence in the agriculture and construction sectors, and in Pakistan's trading partners.

Inflation

Inflation is expected to average 4.8pc over the period 2015-2019. Year on Year Consumer Price Index inflation followed a downward trend starting October 2014, and continues to decline in 2015 according to data in the State Bank of Pakistan Inflation Monitor.

Inflation slowed to 2.1pc in April 2015 from 2.5pc in the preceding month due to lower fuel and food prices ─ the lowest level since 2003.

Read more: Inflation slows to 2.1pc in April

Government deficit

The general government deficit for 2015 is estimated at 4.5pc of the GDP compared to a previous forecast of 5.5pc. The favourable projections have been attributed to improved collections and tightened expenditure mainly in line with International Monetary Fund reforms.

Greater fiscal consolidation of 1pc of the GDP is expected over 2015-2016 through expansion of the tax base, reduction of tax concessions, greater compliance, and reduction of government expenditure on subsidies and public sector salaries.

The average fiscal deficit forecasted for the period 2016-2019 is 3.5pc, while the net general government debt burden is projected to fall to 50.5pc of the GDP by 2019 from 57pc in 2015 as the deficit decreases. Interest expenditure is expected to fall to 25.5pc of government revenue in 2019, from 30.6pc in 2015.

External performance

The decline in the current account deficit to 1.2pc of the GDP in 2014 is partly reflective of lower oil prices, and is expected to average 2pc over 2015-2019.

As of March 2015, foreign exchange reserves ─ including proceeds from privatisation and donor disbursements ─ increased to $11.6 billion from an average of $6b in 2012-2013.

Narrow net external debt is estimated to average 73.4pc over 2015-2019, and the country's external debt burden is expected to remain moderate, as is external liquidity ─ at 106.8pc ─ over the same period.

The improvement in Pakistan's external debt dynamics has eased access to markets and funding costs for the government, but these could be negatively impacted through volatility in global financial markets, increasing oil prices, and a weaker outlook for key trading partners.

Although Pakistan's external performance indicators stabilised further in 2014, they have a predominantly neutral impact on creditworthiness.

Banking sector

The banking system's high profitability and its strong capitalisation contribute to its soundness. The SBP has a long record of keeping inflation at low levels and utilising market-based instruments to regulate policy.

According to S&P, a more diversified financial and capital market would improve credit metrics and transmit policy more effectively.

The sector is still developing risk assessment and prudential measures, which poses a risk to the banking system.

Risk factors

The S&P analysis revealed that Pakistan's internal and external security risks continue threatening governmental and institutional effectiveness. The material risk of domestic conflict and social upheaval continue to challenge policy responses.

Limited transparency and governance, corruption, nepotism and lack of adequate data undermine the effectiveness and stability of Pakistan's policymaking and political institutions.

Low income, weak monetary policy framework and underdeveloped infrastructure ─ particularly in the energy sector ─ and services have negatively influenced fiscal performance.

Export market uncertainty and a weak business climate pose a risk to the growth outlook for Pakistan's economy.

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...
New terror wave
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

New terror wave

The time has come for decisive government action against militancy.
Development costs
27 Mar, 2024

Development costs

A HEFTY escalation of 30pc in the cost of ongoing federal development schemes is one of the many decisions where the...
Aitchison controversy
Updated 27 Mar, 2024

Aitchison controversy

It is hoped that higher authorities realise that politics and nepotism have no place in schools.