Abstract:
Pakistan has important strategic endowments and development potential. The country is located at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia, China and the Middle East and is thus at the fulcrum of a regional market with a vast population, large and diverse resources, and untapped potential for trade. The increasing proportion of Pakistan’s working-age population provides the country with a potential demographic dividend but also with the critical challenge to provide adequate services and increase employment
Economical view:
Pakistan faces significant economic, governance and security challenges to achieve durable development outcomes. The persistence of conflict in the border areas and security challenges throughout the country is a reality that affects all aspects of life in Pakistan and impedes development. A range of governance and business environment indicators suggest that deep improvements in governance are needed to unleash Pakistan's growth potential
Pakistan also faces significant economic challenges. The sharp rise in international oil and food prices, combined with recurring natural disasters like the 2010 and 2011 floods had a devastating impact on the economy. As Pakistan recovered from the 2008 global crisis, its gross domestic product (GDP) grew 3.8 percent in Fiscal Year 2009/2010 (FY09/10). The 2010 floods, with an estimated damage of over $10 billion, caused growth to slow down to 2.4 percent in FY10/11. The Pakistan economy grew by an estimated 3.7 percent in 2011/12, against the pre-flood targeted growth rate of 4.2 percent. Inflation declined, but continued its four-year run in double digits, and the fiscal deficit is also estimated to have reached about 8 percent of GDP, double than budgeted, fueled in part by continuing energy subsidies. On a more positive side, exports remained mildly positive and strong remittances crossed the