Pakistan can replicate Bangladesh microcredit

"Bangladesh is a centre of excellence in microcredit," he told a media delegation from Dhaka when it paid a courtesy call on him at his official residence here on Sunday night.

The prime minister praised the development of Bangladesh in various fields saying that it has achieved huge success in microcredit, women's empowerment and population control.

He said the goodwill of Pakistan for Bangladesh is very high and both the countries are striving hard to improve the quality of lives of the two peoples.

Describing Bangladesh as a 'centre of excellence in microcredit," he referred to the visit of Nobel laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus to Pakistan.

Terming Bangladesh population human capital, Shaukat said it could be utilised for the development of the country.

During the meeting that lasted nearly an hour, he dwelt on various issues of bilateral interest, including the Saarc.

The prime minister said many countries have evinced interest in the forum which was mooted in Dhaka and culminated in the just concluded summit in New Delhi.

He hoped that as a multi-lateral organisation, Saarc should forge ahead in the coming days.

Stressing the need for dialogue and discussion for solving all bilateral issues in the region, Shaukat said military is not any solution.

"We must resolve all issues through dialogue and consultations," he added.

Referring to various reforms of his government, the prime minister said Pakistan has already attained a per capita income of $ 846 which would be around $ 950 in the coming year.

He said in recent years, Pakistan experienced a huge middle class growth leading to consumption of consumer goods and home appliances like motorbikes, refrigerators, air conditioners and mobile phones.

Pakistan is regarded as a model of economic reform for the developing countries, he added.