Hafeez Sheikh holds talks with IMF over release of next tranche

Federal Finance Minister Hafeez Sheikh held two and a half hour long talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials in Washington over the release of next tranche.The finance minister briefed IMF officials about the government’s long term projects and economic orientation of the country. He said that Pakistan could strive to get another monitory fund to fill the budget deficit. He said that Pakistan would soon start paying its debts. He said that Pakistan could not rely on foreign aid for an economic stability rather the country needed trade and access to the Western markets. He also said stressed the importance of trade with India and south Asian countries.