ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has sought the support of the Bank of China and asked the bank’s president for the expansion of business relations with Pakistan to deepen the economic and financial relations.

In a virtual meeting with Bank of China President Liu Jin, the minister shared that it has “always been a great pleasure” to work with the bank and Pakistan has “enjoyed” sound financial dealings with the bank.

The finance minister also highlighted the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China and talked about the reciprocation of warm sentiments from the Chinese leadership.

SAPM on Finance Tariq Bajwa, SAPM on Revenue Tariq Mehmood Pasha, Special Secretary Finance and other senior officers from Finance Division attended the meeting.

Dar, while talking about the long-standing and durable relationships between the governments both countries, shared gratitude to the president and the bank for continuous support to Pakistan in testing times.

It was shared that the bank has played a crucial role in extending budgetary support to Pakistan which has played a significant role in easing pressure on the external account and meeting budgetary needs.

The finance minister extended invitation to the bank’s president to visit Pakistan. He briefed the president about the financial and fiscal conditions inherited by the incumbent government and shared that the present government has a strong resolution to bring back the macroeconomic stability.

Liu Jin also highlighted the historical and bilateral ties between both countries and appreciated Pakistan for taking the necessary measures for easing the lives of the masses in the country. He also acknowledged the contribution of Pakistan in supporting China during hard times.

He also commended the ongoing facilitation being provided by the Government of Pakistan on various Chinese projects under the umbrella of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).