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Forex firms advise govt to fix higher dollar rate to boost remittances

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  • ECAP believes the move will place curbs on illegal channels. 
  • Says it will eventually eliminate the prevailing grey market.
  • Rupee in the grey market has reached 267/270 against the dollar.

KARACHI: The Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP) has advised the government to “fix” the dollar rate to reduce the volatility in the currency market as the country grapples with a severe economic crisis amid depleting forex reserves, reported The News.

“It is advised to fix the rupee/dollar exchange rate for export-import bills and remittances,” said Zafar Paracha, the general secretary of ECAP in a statement on Monday. These remittance proceeds could be brought in by banks and money changers at a fixed rate of 240 per dollar, he added.

The local currency ended at 228.34 per dollar, compared with the previous close of 228.15 in the interbank market. In the open market, the rupee was trading at 238.75 against the dollar. It was available at 238.50 on Friday.

Paracha suggested to the government to offer a rate of Rs240 per dollar to overseas Pakistanis and for inward remittance. He believes the move would help increase remittances, reduce Hundi/Hawala, strengthen the official channel, and eventually eliminate the grey market.

The rate of the dollar in the grey market has reached 267/270 versus the local unit, according to Paracha. For the purpose of getting the exporters’ proceeds, the offer could be made at 228 rupees to the dollar. And the rate for importers would be based on the weighted average of home remittance and exporter rates. It would benefit exporters and remittances, he explained.

“It will encourage exporters to bring dollars into the country, enhance the foreign exchange reserve, and strengthen the remittances segment of the exchange firms.”

Remittances from Pakistanis working abroad dropped 19% to $2.0 billion in December. 

During the first six months (July-December) of the current fiscal year, the nation received $14.1 billion in remittances, which is a decrease of 11.1% from a year earlier.

Pakistan’s forex reserves held with the State Bank of Pakistan dropped by $1.2 billion to $4.3 billion as of January 6 — enough to cover barely three weeks’ worth of imports.

The country is currently experiencing a balance of payments crisis due to large foreign debt repayments and a lack of external finance, which have severely depleted Pakistan’s foreign reserves and led to persistent dollar shortages.

The government has restricted several imports to save dollars, and some businesses have shut down as a result of being unable to import machinery or parts.

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Irfan Siddiqui meets with the PM and informs him about the Senate performance of the parliamentary party.

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The head of the Senate’s Foreign Affairs Standing Committee and the PML-N’s parliamentary leader paid Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif a visit in Islamabad.

Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Parliamentary Party’s Senate performance.

Additionally, Senator Irfan Siddiqui gave the Prime Minister an update on the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs’ performance.

He complimented the Prime Minister on his outstanding efforts to bring Pakistan’s economy back on track and meet its economic objectives.

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Business

SIFC Increases Direct Foreign Investment: Investment in the Energy Sector Rises by 120%

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The Special Investment Facilitation Council is intended to help Pakistan’s energy sector attract $585.6 million in direct foreign investment in 2024–2025. The amount invested at the same time previous year was $266.3 million.

This is a notable 120% rise, mostly due to investments in gas exploration, oil, and power. Such expansion indicates heightened investor confidence and emphasizes the development potential in important areas.

The State Bank reports that foreign investment in other vital industries has increased by 48% to $771 million.

This advancement is a blatant testament to SIFC’s efficient investment procedure and quick project execution.

The purpose of the Special Investment Facilitation Council is to establish Pakistan as an investment hub by aggressively promoting regional trade and investment in the energy sector and other critical industries.

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Business

Discos report losses of Rs239 billion.

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When compared to the same period last year, the data indicates that discos have decreased their losses in the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

The distribution businesses recorded losses of Rs239 billion in the first three months of the current fiscal year, a substantial decrease from the Rs308 billion losses sustained during the same period the previous year.

Additionally, the distribution businesses’ rate of recovery has improved. It has increased to 91% in the first quarter of this year from 84% in the same period last year, indicating success in revenue collection.

Regarding circular debt, the Power division observed a notable change. Last year, between July and October, the circular debt grew by Rs301 billion. Nonetheless, this year’s first four months saw a relatively modest increase in circular debt, totaling about Rs11 billion.

These enhancements show promising developments in the electricity sector’s financial health in Pakistan, where initiatives are being made to accelerate recovery rates and slow the expansion of circular debt.

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