Clearance of circular debt will boost foreign investment in energy sector: Dar

ISLAMABAD, (news agencies): Clearance of circular debt had not only resulted in addition of 1700MW in the national grid but also buoyed foreign investors who are now looking forward to make investments in the energy sector in Pakistan.
Finance minister Ishaq Dar made these remarks during a meeting with Malaysian delegation led by Dr. Mohammad Emir Amvani Abdullah, CEO Felda Global Centures Holdings Berhad, who called on Finance Minister.
During the meeting both held in depth discussions to explore ways and mean to further expand trade and economic relations between the two countries. “The existing volume of trade between the two countries is
not commensurate to the close brotherly relations existing between the two countries”, said the Finance Minister.
Assuring the Malaysian delegation of all possible cooperation and facilitation, Senator Ishaq Dar said that you will find it forthcoming “whenever and wherever it is required”.
Dr. Mohammad Emir said there were tremendous business opportunities and Malaysia was willing to make investments in Pakistan and looking particularly at Pakistan as a spring board for re-export to Central Asia and Africa.
Senator Ishaq Dar informed the Malaysian delegation that the Prime Minister Mian Mohammad Nawaz Sharif would soon unfold an Energy Policy which envisages additional power generation at affordable prices. The policy, he said, would address the present skewed energy mix which was at the core of the present energy crisis facing the country. “We plan to double the power generation in the country in the next five years”, said the Finance Minister.
Senator Ishaq Dar said that the circular debt which had been adversely affecting energy production has been virtually settled. We have cleared Rs.480 billion to power producing entities and the balance of Rs.23 billion represents the claims pending settlement. A small amount would be however, withheld pending clearance.
Senator Ishaq Dar said that the conclusion of a program with IMF has sent very positive signals to the financial world which has welcomed the measures taken by the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif for stabilizing the economy and creating an investor-friendly climate. This IMF program, the Minister said would provide comfort to the investors and enhances their confidence in the economy of Pakistan.
Senator Ishaq Dar regretted that a handful of speculators were trying to play with Pakistani currency for small personal gain and jeopardizing country’s interests. .