Australian High Commissioner calls on Finance Minister

ISLAMABAD: The Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Neil Hawkins met with the Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb at the Finance Division in Islamabad on Tuesday.

During the meeting, the two leaders discussed bilateral matters and ways to strengthen relations between Pakistan and Australia.

The finance minister welcomed the commissioner and talked about the enduring friendship between Australia and Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Australian commissioner congratulated Aurangzeb on his appointment as the Finance Minister.

The minister talked about Pakistan’s “high regard” for its relationship with the Australian government. He also talked about the two countries collaborating to boost bilateral relations, including economic cooperation and trade.

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The finance minister also briefed the Australian commissioner on different initiatives undertaken by Pakistan. Aurangzeb talked about the government’s focus on digitalisation of the country’s tax system.

During the meeting, Aurangzeb discussed the government’s commitment to privatising various state-owned enterprises (SOEs). He updated the commissioner on potential investments from Saudi Arabia and Qatar. the finance minister talked about the need to concentrate on the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

In return, the Australian commissioner provided an overview of the Australian government’s engagements in the agriculture universities of Pakistan. He said the engagements aimed at maximising production in the agriculture and livestock sectors. He also assured continued support from the Australian government for Pakistan’s socio-economic development.

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The Finance Minister expressed appreciation to the Australian High Commissioner for his cooperation and support.