Dr Khan told APP here on his return from UAE that during his stay in Dubai, he had several meetings with the heads of many international banks, financial institutions, investors and the government officials of the UAE, besides addressing the Pakistani bankers and business leaders living there.
He said that he also called on Dr Muhammad K Khairbash, Minister of State for Finance and Industry of UAE as well as Chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank.
Dr Khan said that he conveyed the personal regards of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to Dr Khairbash.
He also informed him about the current state of Pakistan's economy, further challenges and the impact of recent earthquake on the economy.
Dr Khan said that he thanked Dr Khairbash for his country's generous contributions to Pakistan in the President's Relief Fund for earthquake victims.
Dr Khan said that Dr Khairbash was highly appreciative of recent economic development in Pakistan particularly of the leaderships of President General Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz for turning an almost default economy to a resurgent and vibrant economy. Dr Kahairbash also said that a strong economy of Pakistan was a source of inspiration for all of them.
He also stated that the UAE government and Pakistan had always enjoyed strong brotherly relations and his country would play its role in further strengthening the economic relations.
Finance Ministry Advisor, Dr Ashfaq Hassan Khan said that he also discussed with Dr Kahairbash the trade and investment opportunities that exist in Pakistan and also invited him to take benefit of these opportunities.
Dr Khairbash pointed out that Dubai Islamic Bank had already entered Pakistan and going forward and it would play an active role in the development of country's economy.
Dr Ashfaq Hassan Khan said that he also called on Abdullah Al Ghurair, Chairman of the Al Ghurair Group and Mashriq Bank and conveyed the personal regards of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz.
"I also met the senior bankers of HSBC bank, Citi Bank, Douche bank, ABN Amro Bank, Standard Chartered bank and Dubai Islamic bank" Dr Khan said.
He added that he discussed with them the prospects of Pakistan going to international capital and equity markets.
These banks, he said, were very upbeat on improving credit story of Pakistan. Dr Khan said that he also addressed the Pakistani banking and business community and explained them the recent economic improvements and future challenges.
Dr Ashfaq said that he also highlighted them the recent earthquake short-term and medium term impacts on Pakistan's economy.
He thanked the expatriate Pakistanis for their generous contributions to the President's relief fund for earthquake victims 2005 as well as dispatching of medicines and other necessary items for the relief of earthquake victims.