The deficit widened 48% in the first seven months of the current fiscal year to $9.15 billion. The imports of goods surged 18% to $31.04 billion from $26.29 billion in the corresponding period last year. SBP proposes changes in rules for foreign currency account holdersThe trade deficit (of goods and services) increased 21.43% in the seven months to $20.09 billion from $16.54 billion. Workers’ remittances increased 3.56% to $11.38 billion in the seven months from $10.99 billion in the same period last year, the central bank reported. Foreign direct investment in the economy has slowed down to $1.48 billion compared to $1.53 billion.

Source: The Express Tribune February 21, 2018 04:08 UTC