ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Finance, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar Saturday expressed the hope that the United States would fast track the process of clearing outstanding on account of Coalition Support Fund (CSF).

He was talking to Ambassador Robin Raphel, who called on him at the Finance Ministry.

During the meeting they held discussion on bilateral economic issues and co-operation between Pakistan and US to encourage trade and investment in the region.

They also discussed the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the Economic Working Group expected to be held in Washington in April this year.

On the occasion, the Finance Minister Senator Ishaq Dar reiterated that energy remains one of the highest priorities of the present government.

In this connection, he added, the government had not only announced an Energy Policy, but is also working on fast track to bring out a Hydro Carbon Policy so that indigenous resources can be exploited to reduce the dependence on imported resources.

The Finance Minister urged on the need to increase technical and technological cooperation between the two countries to help Pakistan exploit its proven Hydro Carbon Resources Dilating on the need to work more closely in the field of Energy.

He said that addition of 1700 MW in the national grid due to clearance of Circular Debt had increased industrial growth by 5% against an average of 3% during the last five years.

This underscored the need and significance of emphasizing more on the energy sector as it would further accelerate growth in the economy. Ms Robin Raphel offered United States Assistance for improving infrastructure and facilities on the borders of Pakistan.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Finance and senior officials of the Ministry of Finance.

(APP)