ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Friday financial inclusion is a priority for the government as it ensures inclusive economic development and prosperity.

Mr Dar said this while chairing the fifth meeting of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) Council, which was also attended by Queen Maxima of Netherlands, UN secretary general’s special advocate on inclusive finance for development, through a video link.

The minister highlighted the improvement in key macroeconomic indicators, noting that the current momentum needs to be maintained to help Pakistan join the ranks of developed economies.

Queen Maxima appreciated the significant progress made by Pakistan since the last meeting of the NFIS Council in 2016.

She also appreciated initiatives like easy mobile account and National Payment Gateway schemes.

The council reviewed the progress on the implementation of the NFIS and improvements in branchless banking, agricultural credit, SME financing and payment system infrastructure.

The easy mobile account scheme has been developed to facilitate swift opening of a digital transaction account and enhance the use of digital financial services by anyone from anywhere at any time at an affordable cost.

Queen Maxima emphasised the need for client-centric products to meet the expectations of customers. She expressed hope that the implementation of the easy mobile account scheme will have a positive impact on people’s lives.

Published in Dawn, April 8th, 2017