Foreign direct investment, tax base increased due to prudent policies of govt: Hammad Azhar.

ISLAMABAD -- Minister for Economic Affairs Muhammad Hammad Azhar has said current account and fiscal deficits have decreased, while foreign direct investment and tax base of the country have increased due to prudent policies of the government.

Addressing a news conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said current account deficit in the first quarter of the current fiscal year has decreased by 65 percent, fiscal deficit declined by 50 percent, primary budget balance noted a surplus of 385 billion rupees, foreign investment of 350 million dollars came to Pakistan, and foreign exchange reserves witnessed an increase of 650 million dollars.

He said collection of Federal Board of Revenue increased and tax base enhanced by 55 percent and growing circular debt brought down from 38 billion to 12 billion rupees per month.

He said ease of doing business index improved by...