LeGenD
MODERATOR
- Joined
- Aug 28, 2006
- Messages
- 15,813
- Reaction score
- 162
- Country
- Location
Devalued currency is of no use to a country which have poor exports (poor manufacturing base), experiencing a BOP crisis due to large gap between exports and imports, and seeking loans to cope with widening trade deficit.Someone has to get his hands dirty to clean the house and IK is doing just that. I think it's a good move, but it could have been done in a systematic gentle way. This sudden bursts of devaluation will affect everyone.
China has gained a lot by keeping its currency undervalued, dont know why India and Pakistan be so emotional about exchange rates. Let the rate remain low for few months and then FDI will start flowing in when they realize its cheaper to produce goods in Pakistan
In our case, devaluation of currency correspond to higher debt burden. For example, KSA provided 1 billion USD to Pakistan on 2% interest rate for 1 year duration [lending package]. We will have to repay the same amount in USD (principle + interest) to KSA irrespective of PKR sliding in value (amount of PKR increasing for repayment). Now, think about potential implications for the LIABILITIES section of companies due to currency devaluation.
Loans are coming but expenditures are in motion (it is not like billions of USD will be piling in SBP and just stay there; there are/will be OUTFLOWS). Pakistan need to cut down on imports on all fronts + stimulate its manufacturing base [incremental steps towards this end; making imports expensive is not a sound policy on its own]; far from easy due to pressures of energy crisis (insufficient subsidiaries in the supply rates of gas/coal/oil to companies?; companies bearing the costs of independent methods of power production to negate load-shedding?; shortfalls in supply of gas/coal/oil to companies which might hinder expansion?), water crisis (incoming), competitive pressures, and potential implications of the devaluation of PKR in relation to USD. Chinese goods have flooded our markets (single biggest contributor to trade deficit), and we are not on good terms with US (biggest customer). Entrepreneurships also need money to takeoff.
China exports (2017) = 2263.33 (billions)
China imports (2017) = 1841.89 (billions)
GAP = 0.81 ratio (SURPLUS)
India exports (2017) = 298.38 (billions)
India imports (2017) = 447.24 (billions)
GAP = 1.49 ratio (DEFICIT)
Pakistan exports (2017) = 21.57 (billions)
Pakistan imports (2017) = 57.75 (billions)
GAP = 2.67 ratio (DEFICIT)
China and India are among the largest exporting economies, with China on a surplus trajectory and Indian trade deficit being much lower than that of Pakistan (1.49 versus 2.67).
Pakistan is not in a easy position, and chill attitude won't do. Not sure if PTI-led government can fix so many problems in just 5 years.
Last edited: