US Sends Team to Evaluate IMF Programme, Investment, and Debt Issues
Published on: June 11, 2024.
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Washington has reportedly decided to send a Treasury Department delegation to Pakistan in order to assess the country’s economic situation, the prospects of an International Monetary Fund (IMF) program, and the general business and investment climate, according to sources.
Following the visit of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi, who died in a helicopter crash last month, and the Prime Minister’s visit to China, the US Embassy in Islamabad has activated and deployed diplomats to engage with Pakistani officials.
The sources revealed that a delegation from the Department of Treasury, led by Deputy Under Secretary/Assistant Secretary of Treasury Brent Neiman, will visit Islamabad on June 12-13, 2024. The delegation will hold official meetings concerning economic reforms, debt issues, the financial sector, and the general business and investment climate.
Accompanying Neiman will be Alex Entz, Senior Advisor, and Colin Mahoney, Deputy Director for South and Southeast Asia.
The delegation is expected to conduct one-on-one as well as group meetings to gather information and evaluate Pakistan’s financial and economic position. They will also discuss the country’s current challenges and strategies to address them, particularly in the financial and energy sectors.
Prior to their trip to Beijing, Foreign Minister/Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir had a series of meetings with Washington’s top diplomat in Islamabad, Donald Blome. These meetings were critical in preparation for engagements with the Chinese President and Prime Minister during the Prime Minister’s visit.
The US Embassy’s main point of contact for this visit will be Robert Newsome, Deputy Economic Counselor, along with Economic Specialist Shadman Mawaz Khan.
It is worth noting that Washington reacted strongly to Pakistan and Iran’s desire to construct the long-delayed gas pipeline and promote bilateral trade. The US offered cooperation to meet Pakistan’s energy needs through alternative sources.
Source: Business Recorder
