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EAST-WEST DEBT NEWS - sept. 2000
PAKISTAN
Pakistan
reviews budgetary data
The
new military government of Pakistan is reviewing budget figures of
the past ten years. The former government had given misleading
economic estimates to the IMF. Therefore, and also because of
disagreements over the country’s economic reform plans, the fund
suspended its disbursements to Pakistan since last year. Plans for a
new programme are to be discussed with the IMF. The budget deficit
this year could rise to 5.6% of GDP, up from the IMF’s target of
3.3%. Foreign lenders, including the IMF, are seeking a resolution
of the impasse between Pakistan and foreign-backed power generation
companies, before lending is resumed. The central bank removed the
restrictions on repatriation of foreign exchange by equity
investors. The government seeks USD 2bn in a new loan from the IMF.
Last year the earlier loan for debt restructuring with the Paris
Club of lenders was suspended.
Pakistan is a poor, heavily populated country, suffering from internal political disputes, lack of foreign investment, and a costly confrontation with neighboring India. Pakistan's economic outlook continues to be marred by its weak foreign exchange position, which relies on international creditors for hard currency inflows. The MUSHARRAF government will face an estimated $21 billion in foreign debt coming due in 2000-03, despite having rescheduled nearly $2 billion in debt with Paris Club members. Foreign loans and grants provide approximately 25% of government revenue, but debt service obligations total nearly 50% of government expenditure. Although Pakistan successfully negotiated a $600 million IMF Stand-By Arrangement, future loan installments will be jeopardized if Pakistan misses critical IMF benchmarks on revenue collection and the fiscal deficit. MUSHARRAF has complied largely with IMF recommendations to raise petroleum prices, widen the tax net, privatize public sector assets, and improve the balance of trade. However, Pakistan's economic prospects remain uncertain; too little has changed despite the new administration's intentions. Foreign exchange reserves hover at roughly $1 billion, GDP growth hinges on crop performance, the import bill has been hammered by high oil prices, and both foreign and domestic investors remain wary of committing to projects in Pakistan.
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Neither the company nor any contributor can accept any responsibility for -including but not limited to- errors, omissions, opinions or advice given. This publication is not a substitute for professional advice and all information is for guidance only.
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