Pakistan trying to improve trade ties with various countries: Asad Umar

ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Asad Umar on Friday said Pakistan is opening up to the world with its improved security situation and wants to better trade ties with various countries.

Addressing a graduation ceremony in Islamabad, the finance minister said, "Pakistan is trying to improve trade and economic relations with different countries in order to exploit its full potential."

Referring to the geo-strategic location of the country, Umar said, Pakistan is the pivot of the Silk Road. We are in the process of implementing China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project which has strengthened our economic relations with Beijing."

Umar pointed out that Pakistan and Turkey are also on the path of developing a strategic economic framework. A strategic relationship council has also been set up with Saudi Arabia to further deepen relations with the Kingdom, he added.

"Pakistan is a multi-cultural society and we want to make it accessible to the rest of the world," he further said.

Referring to the recent escalation in tensions with India, Umar said, "The Pulwama attack was related to India's internal politics."

Stating that things seem to be on the mend, Umar said, "We, however, will continue to be guard till the elections are held in India. Pakistan stays committed to improve relations with all regional countries including India."

We have extended a hand of friendship to New Delhi, but if India resorts to any misadventure then this hand will turn into a fist, the finance minister asserted. "We have the capacity and capability to defend the motherland."

On Afghanistan, Umar said Pakistan's efforts for the Afghan peace process are now widely being appreciated. "Pakistan will continue to play its role to make the dialogue process successful," the finance minister stressed.