ISLAMABAD, Feb 21: President Gen Pervez Musharraf said on Thursday the government remained fully committed to carry out its economic reforms agenda and that its benefits filter down to the common man.

He was talking to a delegation of the Export-Import Bank (Exim) of the United States, Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) and Trade & Development Agency (TDA), called on him here.

The President informed the delegates about the various steps that had been initiated by the government for the revival of the economy.

He outlined the vast potential that Pakistan had to offer to foreign entrepreneurs, adding that increase of exports was an area of vital focus of the government.

The President informed the visitors that Pakistan offers a level playing field of all investors whether local or foreign. He said that due to the concerted efforts of the government’s economic team, fiscal expenditure had been curtailed, policy of deregulation was being implemented and structural reforms introduced, including a liberal market-based foreign exchange regime.

The government had also managed to increase allocation of social and developmental projects by curtailing non-developmental expenditures which was continuing despite recent tension on the country’s eastern borders due to unprecedented build-up of troops by India.

President Musharraf outlined the government’s poverty reduction strategy and said that Khushhali Bank, Khushhal Pakistan Programme, Food Support Programme and Zakat funds were being provided to improve income generating opportunities as well as enhancing infrastructure, health and education facilities country-wide.

The US delegates expressed their appreciation of the government’s economic reforms agenda and said they were taking steps to facilitate US businesses to invest in Pakistan.

They said they were in the process of opening political risk cover and other financial services for investment and trade in Pakistan. They were also examining the process of extending direct credit lines to Pakistani banks for the promotion of trade and investment.

The team also took keen interest in the government’s privatization programme, particularly in oil and gas, telecommunication and banking sectors.

The delegation was led by Eduardo Aguirre, acting chairman, US Exim Bank; Ross J. Conely, executive vice-president, OPIC; and Karl Kress of TDA. While Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood and BoI chairman Wasim Haqqie were also present at the meeting.—APP