ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Monday reviewed the progress of economic indicators and reforms.

The meeting was held in the context of Article IV consultations between Pakistan and International Monetary Fund (IMF) which will be held in Dubai on March 28, 2017, a press release said.

The finance minister will join the Pakistani delegation later to participate in the final stage of the consultations.

The finance secretary briefed the meeting regarding the preparations for the week long consultations.

He also provided an update on measures undertaken for strengthening the reforms process. The finance minister expressed hope the two sides would have constructive discussions.

He said reforms have enabled the country to achieve macroeconomic stability. The implementation of key structural reforms needs to be continued in order to foster higher, more inclusive and sustainable economic growth, he added.

The meeting was attended by senior officials of the ministries of finance, water and power, petroleum and natural resources, Aviation Division, Federal Board of Revenue and the Privatisation Commission.

It may be recalled the IMF Executive Board completed the 12th and final review of an Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme for Pakistan last September which led to the disbursement of the final tranche.

IMF’s close engagement with Pakistan is continuing through policy dialogue in the context of regular consultations and post-programme monitoring.

During the consultations in Dubai, a detailed review of reforms carried out by Pakistan in different areas of the economy, particularly in the energy sector, would be undertaken.

Published in Dawn, March 28th, 2017