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The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has granted a $1.1 billion loan tranche to Pakistan, marking the conclusion of the second bailout package. This third and final installment completes a $3 billion standby arrangement aimed at preventing a sovereign default. Pakistan is expected to receive the loan disbursement soon, possibly as early as tomorrow. The country has already received two tranches totaling $1.9 billion. Pakistan is also seeking a new, larger IMF loan over a longer duration of at least three years to support economic stability and implement structural reforms.

Pakistan has received a much-needed financial lifeline as the IMF Executive Board has approved the release of a USD 1.1 billion loan tranche, completing the second bailout package. This third installment marks the end of a crucial USD 3 billion standby arrangement, which has played a vital role in preventing Pakistan from defaulting on its sovereign obligations. With the current arrangement expiring at the end of this month, the loan disbursement is expected to be received promptly, possibly as early as Tuesday.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) executive board will meet on April 29 to consider approving the release of $1.1 billion in funding to Pakistan under the $3 billion Stand-By Arrangement (SBA). This follows a staff-level agreement reached on March 20, 2024, after review talks held in Islamabad from March 14 to 19. Pakistan secured the SBA in June 2023 to avert a looming default, and the current tranche is expected to be the last under the short-term deal.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has been urged to improve relations with neighboring countries, including India, to boost Pakistan’s economy. The suggestion was made by Arif Habib, a leading business tycoon, during a recent meeting with the premier in Karachi. Pakistan downgraded diplomatic and trade relations with India in 2019 after the Indian government revoked the special status of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). The move strained relations between the two countries, and Pakistan has since linked the restoration of ties to the reinstatement of IIOJK’s special status.

Pakistan’s Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has expressed optimism about the country’s economic outlook, stating that foreign exchange reserves are expected to reach $10 billion by June this year. He emphasized the need for energy sector reforms and privatization to address the country’s financial challenges. Pakistan has requested a new bailout package from the IMF, which the Finance Minister believes is crucial for economic stability. Despite the government’s efforts to control inflation and reduce deficits, the IMF has noted that Pakistan’s external buffers have deteriorated. The minister also highlighted the growth in tax collection and the improvement in the agriculture sector.

Pakistan hopes to reach a staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by June or early July, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said. The current $3 billion agreement expires in late April, and Pakistan seeks a larger loan to support macroeconomic stability and structural reforms.

Pakistan plans to privatize three major airports, including Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, as part of its efforts to secure an IMF bailout package. The government is also aiming to privatize Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) by July 2024. This privatization push is a condition set by the IMF to address the country’s loss-making public-sector entities. Economic initiatives taken by the government, such as measures to reduce the current account deficit, are showing positive results, with foreign exchange reserves expected to increase by June.

Pakistan is on track to secure a new loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The country has requested a bailout package of $6-$8 billion under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), which may be augmented with climate financing. Macroeconomic factors, including a stabilized rupee and declining inflation, are shifting in Pakistan’s favor. The IMF has emphasized the importance of reforms rather than the size of the loan program.

Argentina’s vast lithium reserves are attracting significant foreign investments, offering a potential catalyst for economic recovery. Amid ongoing negotiations with the IMF and a slumping lithium market, French mining company Eramine has announced an $800 million investment in Salta province, targeting exports of 4,000 tons in 2024 and ramping up to 24,000 tons annually. Emirati company UMPC has also invested $550 million in a lithium project in Catamarca, creating jobs and contributing to the local economy. These investments highlight the potential benefits of responsible resource extraction, mitigating concerns about environmental protection and inclusion. While Argentina faces economic challenges, including a projected GDP contraction, the government aims to secure an IMF deal and create a favorable investment climate. The mining sector, particularly lithium production, remains a crucial aspect of Argentina’s economic outlook.