Updates

Articles Newly Added

0- Insurance Companies of Pakistan  (Latest Feb 2013)

update

0- World Financial Crisis

0- JF-17 Thunder

0- Budget 2011-12  (latest)

0- Economic way forward for Pakistan – written by ex- PM Shaukat Aziz 

0- Communication Industry

0- CNG Industry

0- Textile Industry

0- Automobile Industry (updated Jan 2010)

0- Pakistan’s Hydroelectric Power Development

0- Pakistan’s Defense Industry goes UAV (updated Jan 2010)

0- Cement Industry

0- Musharraf Era: Pakistan Flourishes (updated)

0- Education Sector: Revolution Imminent (Latest)

Note: Kindly note that the links to all articles (Textile, CNG, Automobile, IT, etc)  have been updated! Articles may not turn up in google searches currently. Scroll below to view the Articles – Thanks!

1 Comment

Filed under Uncategorized

Economic Indicators 1999-2009

Updated June 2010!

 

Compiled by: Mirza Rohail B and Afreen Baig

 

Pak Economy in 1999 was: $ 75 billion (Source)
Pak Economy in 2007 is: $ 160 billion (Source) and (Source)
Pak Economy in 2008 is: $ 170 billion (Source) and (Source)

GDP Growth in 1999: 3.1 % (Source)

GDP Growth in 2005: 8.4 % (Source)

GDP Growth in 2007: 7 % (Source) and (Source)

GDP Growth in 2009: 2 % (Source) and (Source)

 

GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in 1999: $ 270 billion (Source)
GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in 2007: $ 475.5 billion (
Source)
GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in 2008: $ 504.3 billion (
Source)

 

GDP per Capita Income in 1999: $ 450 (Source)
GDP per Capita Income in 2007: $ 926
(Source)

GDP per Capita Income in 2008: $1085 (Source)

 

Pak revenue collection 1999: Rs. 305 billion (Source)
Pak revenue collection 2007: Rs. 708 billion (
Source) and (Source)

Pak revenue collection 2008: Rs. 990 billion (Source)

Pak revenue collection 2009: Rs. 1150 billion (Source) and (Source)

 

Pak Foreign reserves in 1999: $ 1.96 billion (Source)
Pak Foreign reserves in 2007: $ 16.4 billion (
Source) and (Source)

Pak Foreign reserves in 2008: $ 8.89 billion (Source)

Pak Foreign reserves in 2009: $ 14.3 billion (Source)

 

Pak Exports in 1999: $ 8 billion (Source) and (Source)
Pak Exports in 2007: $ 18.5 billion (
Source)

Pak Exports in 2008: $ 19.22 billion (Source) and (Source)

Pak Exports in 2009: $ 17.78 billion (Source) & (Source) & (Source)

 

Textile Exports in 1999: $ 5.5 billion
Textile Exports in 2007: $ 11.2 billion (
Source)

 

KHI stock exchange 1999: $ 5 billion at 700 points
KHI stock exchange 2007: $ 75 billion at 14,000 points (
Source)
KHI stock exchange 2008: $ 46 billion at 9,300 points (
Source) and $ 20 billion at 4,972 points (Source)

KHI stock exchange 2009: $ 26.5 billion (Source) at 9,000 points (Source)

 

Foreign Investment in 1999: $ 301 million (Source)
Foreign Investment in 2007: $ 8.4 billion (
Source)

Foreign Investment in 2008: $ 5.19 billion (Source)

 

Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) in 1999: 1.5% ( Source)

Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) in 2005: 19.9% (Source)

Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) in 2007: 8.6% (Source)

Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) in 2008: 4.8%  (Source)

Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) in 2009: (-8.2 %) (Source)

 

Debt (External Debt & Liabilities) in 1988: $ 18 billion

Debt (External Debt & Liabilities) in 1999: $ 39 billion (Source)  (Source)  (Source)

Debt (External Debt & Liabilities) in 2007: $ 40.5 billion (Source) and (Source)

Debt (External Debt & Liabilities) in 2009: $ 52 billion (Source) & (Source)

 

Continue reading

35 Comments

Filed under Industrial sector, Investment, Musharraf Era, Pakistan Economy, Statistics & Indicators, Textile

History Rising: Burj Khalifa Dubai

 
 Learn more about Dubai in Pictures “Vertical Dubai 
 
Economic Pakistan would like to deviate from its regualr articles to cherish alongside their Arab brothers, an accomplishment worth mentioning. A Muslim Country UAE has marked History, by erecting the    World’s tallest icon, 828 meters or 2717 feet, probably the only superscraper, giving the Muslims a reason to celebrate.
 
It is the tallest man made structure. It is the first time the Muslim world has claimed of having the title of the world’s tallest man made structure since year 1311, when Lincoln Cathedral 160 metre tall, exceeded the height of the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. The Great Pyramids remained the tallest man-made structure in the world for over 3,800 years. Burj Dubai will boast the world’s first Armani hotel; the world’s highest swimming pool, on the 76th floor; the highest observation deck on the 124th floor; and the highest mosque on the 158th floor. Hats off to the leadership of Dubai!   

In January 2004, Dubai announced Burj Dubai to the world with the claim, ‘History Rising’. Six years on and history has most certainly ‘risen’.    

Continue reading

10 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

JF-17 Thunder

November 23, 2009

Watch Video

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan on Monday formally joined the international community of fighter aircraft manufacturers as JF 17 Thunder, the first ever multi role state of the art rolled out of Pakistan Aeronautical Complex, Kamra and was included to the fleet of Pakistan Air Force. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani was the chief guest at the ceremony that marked a milestone in the Sino Pak joint venture in air defence system. Senate Chairman Farooq H. Naik, Federal Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira, Defence Minister Ch Ahmed Mukhtar, Chinese ambassador to Pakistan Luo Zhaohui, Pakistan’s ambassador to China Masood Khan and three services chiefs attended the ceremony.

The sophisticated JF 17 Thunder, painted green in the colour scheme of national flag appeared with grandeur as the Prime Minister unveiled the fighter jet before the audience. Manufactured with the cooperation of China, the event has been termed as a beginning of new era of Pak China friendship. Addressing a select gathering of local and foreign dignitaries and PAF officials, the Prime Minister said the goals of progress and prosperity could not be achieved without achieving self reliance in the defence production.

Continue reading

7 Comments

Filed under Defense Industry, Industrial sector, Pakistan Economy

Data: Board of Investment

Foreign Investment:  boi

 

2001-02: $475 million

2002-03: $820 million

2003-04: $922 million

2004-05: $ 1.677 billion

2005-06: $ 3.872 billion
2006-07: $ 8.417 billion
2007-08: $ 5.193 billion

 

Exports – Imports = Trade deficit/surplus 

 

2001-02: $ 9.13 bn — $10.34 bn = $1.2 billion

2002-03: $11.16 bn — $12.22 bn = $1.06 billion

2003-04: $12.31 bn — $15.59 bn = $3.28 billion

2004-05: $14.39 bn — $20.6 bn = $6.21 billion

2005-06: $16.47 bn — $28.58 bn = $12.11 billion

2006-07: $17.01 bn — $30.54 bn = $13.53 billion

2007-08: $19.22 bn — $39.96 bn = $ 20.74 billion

 

 

Continue reading

3 Comments

Filed under Investment, Pakistan Economy, Statistics & Indicators

Communication Industry

Compiled by: Mirza Rohail B

Pakistan is on the verge of Telecom revolution. Pakistan Telecommunications Authority (PTA) in 2004 introduced  two types of license for ISPs – regional and nationwide, and also exempted them from Central Excise Duty. Since liberalization, over the past four years, the Pakistani telecom sector has attracted more than $9 billion in foreign investments. During 2007-08, the Pakistani Communication sector alone received $ 1.62 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – about 30% of the country’s total foreign direct investment. 

telecom-national-exchequer

By March 2009, Pakistan had 91 million mobile subscribers – 25 million more subscribers than reported in the same period 2008. In addition to 3.1 million fixed lines, while as many as 2.4 million are using Wireless Local Loop connections.

Pakistan is ranked 4th in terms of broadband Internet growth in the world, as the subscriber base of broadband Internet has been increasing rapidly with the total base crossing 170,000 in the country. The rankings are released by Point Topic Global broadband analysis, a global research centre.

Pakistan according to PC World was amongst those top five countries with the highest SMS traffic processed with 763 million SMS during 2008-09. In terms of year-on-year growth, Pakistan traffic volume grew by 253 percent compared to last year during the same period.

The contribution of telecom sector to the national exchequer increased to Rs 110 billion in the year 2007-08 on account of general sales tax, activation charges and other steps as compared to Rs 100 billion in the year 2006-07.

Continue reading

8 Comments

Filed under Industrial sector, Investment, Pakistan Economy, Telecom and I.T Industry

IT Industry overview

The IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) marketplace offers lucrative opportunities for developing countries to join the  ranks of the developed world. The scale and pace of growth in this sector is faster than in any other industry, and a number of developing countries are attempting to emulate the success enjoyed by countries such as China, Thailand and India.

Future IT Tower KHI

Future IT Tower KHI

The Government of Pakistan has been proactively developing the IT sector in Pakistan since the last few years. A few of the incentives offered include tax exemption till 2016, establishment of IT Parks with low rent, foreign ownership of equity invested in IT and 100% repatriation of profit allowed to IT companies.

State Bank Reporting Earnings Estimated Total IT Industry Export Revenue
Estimated Total IT Industry Size
US$ 116m US$ 1.4b US$ 2.8b

 

Continue reading

12 Comments

Filed under Pakistan Economy, Telecom and I.T Industry

Cement Industry

Compiled by: Mirza Rohail B 

History & Introduction

 Growth of cement industry is rightly considered a barometer for economic activity. In 1947, Pakistan had inherited 4 cement cement_industry1plants with a total capacity of 0.5 million tons. Some expansion took place in 1956-66 but could not keep pace with the economic development and the country had to resort to imports of cement in 1976-77 and continued to do so till 1994-95. The industry was privatized in 1990 which led to setting up of new plants. Although an oligopoly market, there exists fierce competition between members of the cartel today.

The industry comprises of 29 firms (19 units in the north and 10 units in the south), with the installed production capacity of 44.09 million tons.  The north with installed production capacity of 35.18 million tons (80 percent) while the south with installed production capacity of 8.89 million tons  (20 percent), compete for the domestic market of over 19 million tons. There are four foreign companies, three armed forces companies and 16 private  companies listed in the stock exchanges. The industry is divided into two broad regions, the northern region and the southern region. The northern region has around 80 percent share in total cement dispatches while the units based in the southern region contributes 20 percent to the annual cement sales.   

Continue reading

16 Comments

Filed under Industrial sector, Pakistan Economy

CNG Industry

cng-3Compiled by: Mirza Rohail B

Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is a substitute for gasoline (petrol) or diesel fuel. It is considered to be an   environmentally “clean” alternative to those fuels. It is made by compressing methane (CH4) extracted from natural gas. Argentina and Brazil are the two other countries with the largest fleets of CNG vehicles. As of 2005, Pakistan is the largest user of CNG in Asia, and  as of 2010, the largest in the world, according to the The International Association of Natural Gas Vehicles (IANGV).

The Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) sector of Pakistan by end of 2007 has attracted over Rs 70 billion investments during the last few years as a result of liberal and encouraging policies of the government.  Presently, around 3,105 CNG stations are operating in the country in 85 cities and towns, and 1000 more would be setup in the next three years. It has provided employment to above 30,000 people in Pakistan.

Over 2.4 million vehicles were converted to CNG as of end 2009, showing an increase of 35 percent yearly. On average 29,167 vehicles are being converted to CNG every month. All Pakistan CNG Association (APA) Sana-ur-Rehman confirms that CNG stakeholders have invested Rs.90 billion in this sector and another Rs 20 billion investment is in pipeline. The CNG consumers had invested around Rs 60 billion in converting their vehicles to CNG.

Continue reading

6 Comments

Filed under Automobile Industry, Industrial sector, Pakistan Economy

Automobile Industry

updated 27 Jan 2010!
 
Compiled by: Mirza Rohail B 

Pakistan is an emerging market for automobiles and automotive parts offers immense business and investment  production-volume-2007-081opportunities. The total contribution of Auto industry to GDP in 2007 is 2.8% which is likely to increase up to 5.6% in the next 5 years. Total gross sales of automobiles in Pakistan were Rs.214 billion in 2006-07 or $2.67 billion. The industry paid Rs.63 billion cumulative taxes in 2007-08 that the government has levied on automobiles.There are 500 auto-parts manufacturers in the country that supply parts to original equipment manufacturers (PAMA members). Auto sector presently, contributes 16% to the manufacturing sector which also is expected to increase 25% in the next 7 years, as compared to 6.7 percent during 2001-02.Vehicles’ manufacturers directly employ over 192,000 people with a total investment of over $ 1.5 billion. Currently, there are around 82 vehicles’ assemblers in the industry producing passengers cars, light commercial vehicles, trucks, buses, tractors and 2/3 wheelers. The auto policy is geared up to make an investment of $ 4.09 billion in the next five years thus, making a target of half a million cars per annum achievable.

Continue reading

25 Comments

Filed under Automobile Industry, Industrial sector, Pakistan Economy

Textile Industry

Compiled By: Mirza Rohail B

Historically, Pakistan’s textile industry and clothing sector has always been a major contributor to the foreign exchange  earner and still contributes about 55% to the total export proceeds.

textile-to-exports1

The Economist reports that Pakistan is the 4th largest producer of cotton in the world and the 6th largest importer of raw cotton, the 3rd largest consumer of cotton, and the 1st largest exporter of cotton yarn. Over 1.3 million farmers, out of total of 5 million are involved in cultivation of this crop.

Textile exports in 1999 were $5.2 billion and rose to become $10.5 billion by 2007. Textile exports managed to increase at a very decent growth of 16% in 2006. In the period July 2007 – June 2008, textile exports were US$ 10.62 Billion.  Textile exports share in total export of Pakistan has declined from 67% in 1997 to 55% in 2008, as exports of other non-textile sectors grew.

Continue reading

22 Comments

Filed under Pakistan Economy, Textile

Education Sector: Revolution Imminent

Compiled By: Afreen Baig and Mirza Rohail B

Pakistan has an estimated population of 170 million, above two per cent of the world’s population and it’s the 6th  largest country of the world.

Pakistan’s literacy rate was currently estimated at about 50% according to the United Nations Development Program 2009. As per the PSLM Survey 2004-05, the literacy rate of population 10 years and above was 53% showing an annual growth ratio of 1.5% since the 1998 census. As such, the estimated Literacy Rate comes to 56% in 2007. According to the statistics, Pakistan has made some steps forward trying to educate its children, but still there are around some 13 million children that do not receive any education and instead work or hard labor jobs or even in the streets, being completely or almost illiterate. Statistics indicate that India with 61%, Sri-Lanka with 90%, Iran 82% and China 93% are the few Asian countries with much faster development rate than Pakistan.

According to statistics by the Ministry of Education, there are 256,088 educational institutions of all categories in Pakistan, with a total enrollment of 37,462,884 students. 

 There are 182,477 (71%) education institutions in the public sector and 73,611 (29%) in private sector. Enrolment wise, public sector has an enrollment of 25,213,894 (67%) in various categories of educational institutions whereas 12,248,990 (33%) enrolment is in the private sector. The total male student enrolment is 21.133 million (56%), whereas the total female student enrolment is 16.329 million (44%). The total teaching staff is 1,363,501, out of which 0.756 million (56%) is in the public sector and 0.606 million (44%) in the private sector. Out of the total 1.363 million teachers, 0.617 million (47%) are male and 0.695 million (53%) are female teachers.

Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Education

Pakistan’s Defense Industry goes UAV

Updated Jan 2010! Courtesy: South Asia Investor Review and Pakistan Daily

U.S. Army Gen. William Westmoreland is reported to have said: “On the battlefield of the future, enemy forces will be located, tracked and targeted almost instantaneously through the use of data links, computer-assisted intelligence and automated fire control. … I am confident the American people expect this country to take full advantage of its technology–to welcome and applaud the developments that will replace wherever possible the man with the machine.” It seems that this vision from the 1970s is being realized today. One manifestation of it is the development and deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles by many nations, including Pakistan.

Pakistan’s indigenously developed unmanned aerial vehicle, Uqaab, whose final flight was tested and successfully conducted in March 2008. All design parameters were successfully validated, and the performance of Uqaab can be compared to any modern state of the art UAV, according to an army statement. Flight test was preceded by a series of trials in 2007 and is a reflection of Pakistan’s technical prowess in the field of UAV technology.

The Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) has handed over one dozen Predator-type unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), PAC Chairman Air Marshal Khalid Chaudhry said in January 2009. He said Pakistan had acquired the capability to manufacture UAVs and had initiated indigenous production.  “We will manufacture more UAVs indigenously, keeping the PAF’s requirements in mind”. [Link]

  

Continue reading

7 Comments

Filed under Defense Industry, Pakistan Economy

Foreign Investment

Pakistan is now the most investment-friendly nation in South Asia. Business regulations have been profoundly overhauled  foreign-investmentalong liberal lines, especially since 1999. Most barriers to the flow of capital and international direct investment have been removed. Foreign investors do not face any restrictions on the inflow of capital, and investment of up to 100% of equity participation is allowed in most sectors (local partners must be brought in within 5 years and contribute up to 40% of the equity in the services and agriculture sectors). Unlimited remittance of profits, dividends, service fees or capital is now the rule.

Business regulations are now among the most liberal in the region. This was confirmed by a World Bank report published in 2008 ranking Pakistan (at 76th) well ahead of neighbors like China (at 93rd), India (at 120th), Bangladesh (107th) and Sri Lanka (101th) based on ease of doing business.  The ranking is based on 10 indicators of business regulation that follows the time and cost to meet government requirements in business start-up, operation, trade, taxation, and closure.

The tables below also negate arguments by those that accuse Pakistan of raising foreign investment by selling off state assets.  Fact is that only $6 billion were raised by selling state assets in the past 15 years. (News)

 

 

View Detailed (Country wise and Sector wise) Facts & Figures below. Keep reading

Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under Investment, Pakistan Economy, Statistics & Indicators

Federal Bureau of Statistics 2000 to 2005

 FBS

  • The Federal Bureau of Statistics valued Marble Production sector at Rs.211,851 million in 2005 thus registering over 99% growth since 2000.

 

  • The Federal Bureau of Statistics valued Large-scale Manufacturing at Rs.981,518 million in 2005 thus registering over 138% growth since 2000 while Small-scale manufacturing was valued at Rs.356,835 million in 2005 thus registering over 80% growth since 2000.

 

  • The Federal Bureau of Statistics valued Construction sector at Rs.178,819 million in 2005 thus registering over 88% growth since 2000.

  Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Musharraf Era, Pakistan Economy, Statistics & Indicators

Large Scale Manufacturing

Compiled by: Mirza Rohail B

The manufacturing sector grew at an average rate of 8 percent from the sixties to the eighties, but fell to 3.9 percent  Made In PAKduring the nineties. This was mainly caused by reduction in investment levels due to lack of continuity and consistency in policies. Political instability law and order position in the major industrial centers, transport bottlenecks, as well as unreliability and inadequate availability of power supply at affordable rates were additional factors pulling down the sector.

The sector has shown impressive recovery recently and has grown at a compound rate of 10.9 percent per annum during 2001 – 05, with Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) growing even faster, becoming 19.9% in 2005.

The contribution of Large-Scale Manufacturing at basic prices stand at Rs 844 billion as compared with Rs 264 billion in 2000-01, figures from the Census of Large-Scale Manufacturing Industries (CMI) 2005-06 show.

Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Industrial sector, Pakistan Economy, Statistics & Indicators

Foreign Reserves Phenomenon: Shaukat Aziz versus PPP

Written By: Afreen Baig

 
 

 

Foreign Reserves – a significant economic indicator and of vital importance to every expanding economy. Foreign Reserves is the first and basic economic indicator that transmits an air of confidence and trust, amongst the potential foreign & local investors and the nation. Foreign Reserves are held in abundance and accumulated – in order to sustain the confidence of a country’s capacity to carry out external trade confidently, to balance the momentum between demand & supply of foreign currencies, and also used as an intervention tool by the State Bank. Reserves also bail out the economy in times of financial crisis.

By October 2007, at the end of Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz’s tenure, Pakistan raised back its Foreign Reserves to a handsome $16.4 billion. His exceptional policies kept our trade deficit controlled at $13 billion, exports boomed to $18 billion, revenue generation increased to become $13 billion and attracted foreign investment of $8.4 billion.

Pakistan recently has seen a drastic drop in its Reserves by 50% and its currency devalued by 40%, which has left ordinary people confused and the usual cynics have started heaping the blame onto the policies of Mr. Shaukat Aziz, without even knowing the basic macro-economic indicators nor understanding the relationship b/w Foreign reserves, Trade deficit and Currency devaluation.

The Trade deficit (Exports minus Imports) is always managed in ratio to Revenue generation, Capital inflows and Reserves. Almost all developing economies face the dread of trade deficit but their abundant foreign reserves gives them the fiscal space to overcome those grievances.

 

Continue reading

2 Comments

Filed under Investment, Pakistan Economy, Shaukat Aziz

Economic way forward for Pakistan

 Written By: Honorable Shaukat Aziz, ex-Prime Minister of Pakistan  shaukat2

2009:  When I was asked to write a piece on the economic way forward, I hesitated at first because I felt that with a new government in place it is better that we leave the way forward to the new economic  managers, rather than play the role of back seat drivers and provide unsolicited advice. But the  mountain of criticism of the previous government policies from all sorts of arm chair critics, ranging from retired bureaucrats and economists of the cold war era, who still  believe in the supremacy of state management of the economy and for whom Venezuela and Bolivia are the new role models, to Islamists who  feel that the entire western global economic system is doomed and we need to chalk out a new paradigm – convinced me that perhaps the time  had come to analyze the past and set the record straight, assess the current situation and contribute to the debate on the way forward.

Now that we have the political parties of the nineties back in power it can be instructive to examine a few economic indicators of the nineties with the past eight years and draw inferences. Since the economic growth numbers have been challenged by the critics.  I will use numbers that are not subject to disagreement. So for example, if the GDP growth numbers are being challenged, than other growth indicators that the public can understand can show the reality. The official GDP growth from around US $ 65 billion in 1999-2000 to US$ 165 billion in 2007-08 (a factor of 2.5 times) is challenged as being fudged, but growth of credit to the private sector over the same time period from Rs 1 trillion to Rs 2.5 trillion, again a factor of 2.5 times, cannot be challenged.

Continue reading

15 Comments

Filed under Pakistan Economy, Shaukat Aziz

Assessing Shaukat Aziz’s Economic Stewardship

Courtesy: South Asia Investor Blogspot

Is Shaukat Aziz to Blame?  PM Shaukat Aziz

Former Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz is frequently blamed in Pakistani media and political and economic circles for the rapid decline of Pakistan’s economy during the last six months. The critics say the economic boom under Mr. Aziz was short-lived because it was achieved by easy, plentiful consumer credit, massive borrowing and construction spending in public and private sectors. They further charge that Mr. Aziz promoted the service sector while ignoring large infrastructure projects to enhance Pakistan’s agricultural and industrial sectors. They also claim that, if Mr. Aziz had done a good job, the economy would have continued to perform well in spite of all the changes that have transpired since he quit. Some go to the extent of claiming that there was no real economic boom and the whole boom story was a fabrication.

How Do Modern Economies Work?

To examine the validity of the charge sheet against Mr. Aziz, let us try and understand how modern economies work. Modern economies are all consumer driven and cyclical. To manage growth in modern economies, there are a number of tools and policy options deployed by economic leadership consisting of government and central bank officials. Controlling money supply is a key tool. When the economy is slowing, the governments resort to deficit spending, and central banks lower interest rates to encourage consumer borrowing. Government and consumer spending then produce increased demand for goods and services which encourage more investment in plant, equipment and real estate etc. These investments create jobs which further stimulate demand.

Continue reading

3 Comments

Filed under Pakistan Economy, Shaukat Aziz

The Pak Economy: Bigger than We Think

25 June 2004

The Finance Ministry of Pakistan came out with the Annual Economic Survey last week, and it offered both a huge surprise, and an explanation for an economic mystery that had developed over the last seven years. The mystery was how did India’s economy, measured on a per person (commonly called per capita) basis, become so much larger than Pakistan’s?

After the first 45 years of growth, Pakistan had enjoyed a faster rate of growth resulting in a higher per capita GDP (gross domestic product) than India. Since 1991, India has grown faster than Pakistan, but it started from far behind. However, about 1998, India’s statistics surged past Pakistan, and widened their lead through the next several years. By 2003, India had a GDP per capita of 500 dollars, while Pakistan, depending on the source, was about 450. Measured using an alternative technique that takes into account the lower costs of services and labor in poor countries (i.e. a haircut in Pakistan does not cost 15 dollars) to more accurately reflect purchasing power, India was listed as being way ahead at 2800 dollars versus only 1900 for Pakistan.

Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Indian Economy, Pakistan Economy

Pakistan’s Financial Services Sector

Courtesy: South Asia Investor Review


Pakistan has been ranked 34 out of 52 countries in the World Economic Forum’s first Financial Development Report, which was released in Pakistan through the Competitiveness Support Fund (CSF) in December, 2008.

The report is a comprehensive analysis of financial systems and capital markets in 52 countries that explores key drivers of financial system development and economic growth in developing and developed countries and serves as a tool by which countries can benchmark themselves and establish priorities for financial system improvement.

Pakistan’s Banking sector turned profitable in 2002. Their profits continued to rise for the next five years and peaked to Rs 84.1 ($1.1 billion) billion in 2006.

Arthur Bayhan, Chief Executive of the Competitiveness Support, told the media: “I am very happy to see that financial system in Pakistan is well reformed and competitive vis-à-vis Asia and Europe. Pakistan is ranked ahead of the Russian Federation (35), Indonesia (38), Turkey (39), Poland (41), Brazil (40), Philippines (48) and Kazakhstan (45).”

The United States narrowly edged the United Kingdom to take the top position in the Financial Development Index. The United Kingdom was second while China ranked 24 and India 31.

Continue reading

7 Comments

Filed under Financial Institutions, Investment, Pakistan Economy

Banks and Financial Institutions of Pakistan

Banks State & Private  state-bank2

Continue reading

6 Comments

Filed under Financial Institutions, Pakistan Economy, Statistics & Indicators

List of Insurance Companies in Pakistan

updated  10 February 2013

I. Public sector  insurance

  • 1. National Insurance Corporation                                                         
  • 2. Pakistan Reinsurance Company Ltd.
  • 3. Postal Life Insurance
  • 4. State Life Insurance Corporation Ltd.

Continue reading

29 Comments

Filed under Financial Institutions, Pakistan Economy, Statistics & Indicators

Pakistan’s Motorways, Highways and Roads

Compiled by: Mirza Rohail B

Pakistan’s Transport Sector 

  • Contributes                              11% to GDP
  • Accounts for                            12-15% of PSDP
  • Consumes                               35% of Total Energy 
    ISB-PSH Motorway

    ISB-PSH Motorway

     

     

    Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Automobile Industry, Industrial sector, Pakistan Economy

Musharraf Era: Pakistan Flourishes

Compiled By: Mirza Rohail B

©Our leader – Musharraf

All this is all the more amazing when one considers that just six years ago, Pakistan was on the verge of bankruptcy, with only a little more than $1bn in foreign exchange reserves and its stock market teetering at 1,000 points (worth $5 billion only) and foreign debt servicing at 65% of GDP. Our exports were at a pitiful $7.5 billion.

The once ever-declining rupee stood stable at around 60-61 to a dollar since Musharraf took over. Of the 184 member countries of the IMF, Pakistan’s rate of economic growth 7% is one of the best in the world. The Karachi stock market is now above 13,000 points and worth around $65 billion. Now foreign debt servicing has lowered to become 28%. Our exports increased to become $18 billion.

1. Pakistan economy is among the fastest growing economies in the world as its economy has reached the size of $170 billion from a mere $70 billion in 1999. Pakistan attracted a record FDI of $8.6 billion in 2007-08.

2. 2007: National revenues had swelled from Rs 308 billion during 1988-99 to around Rs 800bn in 2007; and FBR estimates now 2.8 million Income Tax payers.

Year             Total CBR     Direct         Indirect      Custom     Sales     Central excise 

1998-99       308.5bn        110.4bn       198.1bn     65.3bn      72bn       60.8bn

2005-06       712.5bn       224.6bn       487.9bn     138.2bn    294.6bn      55bn   

2008-09     810.3bn        305bn             –          105.3bn    319.3bn       80.5bn  (2008-09 Progressive)

3. Public sector development program (PSDP) has also grown from Rs 80 billion in 1999; to Rs 520 billion in 2007 and increased further to Rs 549.7 billion in 2008.

4. FACT: The rate of growth in Pakistan Large Scale Manufacturing (LSM) is at a 30-year high. Construction activity is at a 17-year high.

LSM: 1999-00 was  1.5% and 2004-05 was 19.9% and 2006-07 was 8.6% and 2007-8 is 5%.

5. FACT: The Infrastructure Industries Index, which measures the performance of Seven industries, i.e. Electricity generation, Natural gas, Crude oil, Petroleum products, Basic metal, Cement and coal, has recorded a 26.2 percent growth in Industrial sector of Pakistan.

6. FACT: Jan 14: Pakistan now has a total of 245,682 Educational institutions in all categories, including 164,579 (i.e. 67 per cent) in the public sector and 81,103 (i.e. 100 per cent) in the private sector, reports the National Education Census (NEC-2005). The census — jointly conducted by the Ministry of Education, the Academy of Educational Planning and Management (AEPAM) and the Federal Bureau of Statistics (FBS) — reveals that the number of private-sector institutions has increased from 36,096 in 1999-2000 to 81,103 in 2005, i.e. by 100 per cent. 45,007 Educational Institutions have increased in Musharraf Era.

7. FACT: Pakistan is 3rd in world in Banking profitability, a report of IMF said. On the IMF chart, Pakistan’s banking profitability is on third position after Colombia and Venezuela. On the IMF chart India is on 36th position and China is on 40th position. Pakistan’s Banking sector turned profitable in 2002. Their profits continued to rise for the next five years and peaked to Rs 84.1 ($1.1 billion) billion in 2006

8. 11 May 2009: By producing 7.746 tonnes of gold during the last five years – 2004 to 2008Pakistan joins the ranks of gold producing countries. According to the data with the Saindak Metal Limited – during the last five years – Pakistan has produced 86,013 tonnes of copper, 7.746 tonne gold and 11.046 tonne silver, besides the production of 14,482 tonnes of magnetite concentrate (iron), bringing in a total of $633.573 million.

9. In 1999 what we earned as GDP: we used to give away 64.1 % as foreign debt and liabilities. Now in 2006, what we earn as GDP: we give ONLY 28.3 % as foreign debt and liabilities. Now we are SAVING 35 % of Our GDP for economic growth.

According to Department of Finance, External debt & liabilities (EDL) and DAWN:

1988 – $ 18 bn —–>  1990 – $ 20.5 bn —–>  1999 – $ 38.9 bn —–>  2000 – $ 35.48 bn —–>  2001 – $ 37.2 bn —–> 2002 – $ 34.8 bn —–>  2003 – $ 35.4 bn —–>  2004 – $ 35.3 bn —–>  2005 – $ 35.8 bn —–>  2006 – $ 37.6 bn —–>  2007 – $ 40.5 bn —–>  2008 – $ 45.9 bn —–>  2009 – $ 50 bn

 10. According to Economic Survey 2005. Poverty in Pakistan in 2001 was 34.46%. And, now after 7 years of Musharraf; Poverty in 2005 was 23.9%. Poverty DECREASED by 10.56%. Overall, 12 million people have been pushed out of Poverty in 2001 -2005!

11. Literacy rate in Pakistan has increased from 45% (in 2002) to 53% (in 2005). And, Education now receives 4% of GDP and English has been introduced as compulsory subject from grade 1.

12.  12-4-07: The IT industry, which was virtually non-existent seven years ago, has grown to be worth $2 billion of which $1 billion is export related. It rregistered a 50% growth. 55 foreign IT companies have already entered the market. Now the sector employed 90,000 professionals.

13. 30-1-08: The government has decided to set up a modern hospital cum Medical University in collaboration with the Harvard Medical International, USA, at a cost of Rs 18 billion. The university will be built at the Defence Housing Authority (DHA), Islamabad. A total of 2,500 students will be taught at the graduate level, while additional 600 seats will be available for postgraduate research courses.

14. Nov 2006: President Musharraf says that Pakistan will set up Nine Engineering World Class Science and Technology Federal Universities by 2008 with foreign assistance. He said the institutions of higher learning would be established in collaboration with Italy, South Korea, Japan, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Austria and China. The Cost of building these Foreign Universities will be above Rs 96.5 billion.

The Vice Chancellors, Heads of department, Professors and Faculty of the planned university will be from these Foreign Universities; while the Examination system, Quality assurance followed and the Degree awarded will also be from these Foreign Universities.

15. Government has approved to give at least 4% of GDP to Education in 2007 budget.

16. In 1999-2000 there were 31 Public Universities. Now 2005-2006 there are 49 Public Universities. HEC setup 47 Universities.

a) Air University (established 2002)

b) Institute of Space technology, ISB (established 2002)

c) Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Quetta (established 2004)

d) University of Science & Technology, Bannu (established 2005)

e) University of Hazara (founded 2002)

f) Malakand university, Chakdara (established 2002)

g) Karakurum International university, Gilgit (established 2002)

h) University of Gujrat (established 2004)

i) Virtual University of Pak, Lahore (established 2002)

j) Sarhad University of IT, Peshawar (established 2001)

k) National Law University, ISB (2007)

l) Media University, ISB (2007)

m) University of Education, Lahore (2002)

n) Lasbella University of Marine Sciences, Baluchistan (2005)

o) Baluchistan University of IT & Management, Quetta (2002), etc.

17. 6-member delegation of Australian Department of Education, Science & Technology and AusAID, is visited Pakistan on the request of PM Shaukat Aziz to help Pakistan in its efforts to realign its TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) according to the market needs. Chairman NAVTEC Altaf Saleem informed the delegation about NAVTEC plans to increase the capacity to train one million people annually by 2010 from the present annual capacity of 320,000.

Continue reading

12 Comments

Filed under Industrial sector, Investment, Musharraf Era, Pakistan Economy, Statistics & Indicators, Telecom and I.T Industry

Musharraf Era: Ushers in Multi-National Corporations

Compiled By: Mirza Rohail B

 

The right Manager manages his company with whatever resources he has, and manages to set it towards an unprecedented growth and prosperity, utilizing all internal and external factors. Musharraf proved to be the right Manager for Pakistan! MNC’s also provide excellent job opportunities; and with them bring in the required Capital, latest Technology, developed Human resources, management, quality & safety standards.

 

1.     Dubai Ports World announced on 1 June 2006, that it will spend $10 billion to develop Real estate, infrastructure and transport in Pakistan.

2.     Emaar Properties announced 31 May 2006, three Real estates developments in the cities of Islamabad and Karachi. The projects with a total investment of $2.4 billion will include developing commercial and residential property.

3.     Emaar Properties also signed a unprecedented $43 billion deal to develop two Island resorts – Bundal Island and Buddo Island – over the decade.

4.     International Petroleum Investment Co, owned by the government of Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates; has received approval from Pakistan’s government to build a $5 billion Oil refinery at Hub in Baluchistan. The refinery, which will be Pakistan’s biggest, have the capacity to process 300,000 barrels of oil a day.

5.     2006: The government is all set to establish an ‘Oil city‘ with an investment of $40 billion at Gwadar Port to make it the biggest crude and refined oil storage base in the region. The government has allotted 12,500 acres of land in Gwadar. The Chinese Petroleum Chamber would come up with $12.5 billion investment plan for the project.

6.     Kuwait will establish an Oil refinery at Port Qasim, 50 km southeast of Karachi, at expected cost of $1.2 billion. Refinery would have the capacity to refine 100,000 barrels of oil a day.

7.     The Canadian conglomerate Cathy Oil and Gas signed a memorandum of understanding in late 2006 to invest $5 billion in oil and gas exploration, development, production and commercialization in Pakistan.

8.     Canadian Oil & Gas Company signed with Pakistan a $ 200 million project that would generate 50,000 direct jobs in Sindh. It will explore, develop, produce and commercialize of Coal Bed Methane (CBM) in Pakistan up-to 70,000 barrels a day for about 20 years.

9.     July 2006: The Government awarded three blocks in the country’s offshore Indus Delta to British Petroleum Pakistan. BP Pakistan (formerly known as Union Texas Pakistan) will Explore gas blocks U, V and W, covering an area of 21,000 square km, for oil and gas reserves.

10.  Dubai’s Foreign investment in Pakistan’s capital markets recorded significant growth in 2006 and more than doubled to Dh1.278 billion ($351.5 million) by June 30 this year. It stood at Dh554.9 million last year.

Continue reading

1 Comment

Filed under Industrial sector, Investment, Musharraf Era, Pakistan Economy, Statistics & Indicators

Electricity: Solutions and Ongoing Projects

By: Afreen Baig

History

Mirani Dam inaugurated

Mirani Dam Inaugurated

Yahya Khan in the 1960’s, our governments failed to conceive and initiate major electricity projects.

 The inept governments of PML-N and PPP, that still consider themselves vital to democratic dialogue within the provinces, failed to create dialogue within provinces, on the most important issue facing Pakistan’s energy survival – the Kalabagh Dam. Their governments failed to plan for the future growth and energy requirements. Recently the government of PPP has scraped the project altogether.

 

Unexpected Economic Boom & Energy Consumption in the last 10 years

 Pakistan’s $75 billion economy boomed into a $160 billion economy, with the consumption of gas, electricity and coal increasing YEARLY to an average rate of 7.8 percent, 5.1 percent and 8.8 percent, respectively.

 The number of electricity consumers grew from 15.9 million in 2005-06 to 16.7 million in 2007, showing a growth of about 70 percent over the last 10 years.

 The major Energy consumption sectors of the country are: Industrial (38.3 percent), Transport (32.8 percent), Residential and Commercial (25 percent), Agriculture (2.5 percent) and others (2.2 percent).

 As regards Electricity, the Household sector has been the largest consumer over the last 10 years, on average consuming 44.8 percent, followed by Industrial sector (29.4 percent), Agriculture (12.2 percent), Commercial sector (5.9 percent), Street lights (10.6 percent), the officials say.

Continue reading

4 Comments

Filed under Electricity Generation, Industrial sector, Pakistan Economy

Pakistan’s Hydroelectric Power Development

Courtesy: South Asia Investor Review

Pakistan and Germany have initiated serious discussions of German funding of eight ongoing and new hydropower  hydro_dam_projectprojects worth billions of dollars. These talks are taking place in Islamabad between visiting German Minister for Economic Co-operation and Development Ms. Heidemaire Wiegoreak Zeul and Pakistani Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance Mr. Shaukat Tarin, according Business Recorder newspaper.

The projects currently under discussion include 621 MW Palas hydropower project, 567 MW Spat Gah hydropower project, 28 MW Basho hydropower project, 33 MW Harpo hydropower project, 70 MW Lawi hydropower project, Naigaj hydropower project and 300 KW Hingol hydropower project, 43 KW Kurram Tangi Dam. As a start, the German Economic Minister said her country had already committed finances for Keyal Khwar hydropower project located in NWFP on river Indus at Dasu. The project would generate 130 MW power. The focus of many of these development projects are the rural areas in the North West Frontier Province and the least developed federally administered tribal areas of the country affected by insurgencies.

Continue reading

3 Comments

Filed under Electricity Generation, Industrial sector, Pakistan Economy

Pakistan LoI to IMF

Pakistan: Letter of Intent, Memorandum of Economic and Financial

Policies, and Technical Memorandum of Understanding to IMF

 

 

November 20, 2008

 

 

1.    In the last decade, Pakistan’s economy witnessed a major economic transformation.

 

Ø  The country’s real GDP increased from $60 billion in 2000/01 to $170 billion in 2007/08 (fiscal year starts July 1st).

 

Ø  Per capita income rising from under $500 to over $1,000.

 

Ø  The volume of international trade increased from about $20 billion to nearly $60 billion.

 

Ø  Real GDP grew at more than 7 percent a year with relative price stability.

Continue reading

3 Comments

Filed under Pakistan Economy