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Pakistan's overseas remittances exceed $2bn in March

REMITTANCES of $2.7 billion in March from Pakistani workers employed abroad exceeded $2bn for the 10th consecutive month, and were up 43 per cent from a year earlier, the central bank said on Monday (12).

Proactive policy steps by the government and State Bank to spur inflows through formal channels, combined with limited cross-border travel, medical expenses and altruistic transfers amid the pandemic to fuel the rise, it said in a statement.


"The love and commitment of overseas Pakistanis to Pakistan is unparalleled," prime minister Imran Khan said on Twitter.

"You sent over $2 billion for 10 straight months despite Covid, breaking all records. We thank you."

The inflows came mainly from the nations of Saudi Arabia, standing at $5.7bn, the United Arab Emirates, at $4.5bn; with $2.9bn from Britain and $1.9bn from the US, the central bank said.

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UK calls for new pharmaceutical investment to strengthen life sciences

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  • UK life sciences sector contributed £17.6bn GVA in 2021 and supports 126,000 high-skilled jobs.
  • Inward life sciences FDI fell by 58 per cent from £1,897m in 2021 to £795m in 2023.
  • Experts warn NHS underinvestment and NICE pricing rules are deterring innovation and patient access.

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Britain is seeking to attract new pharmaceutical investment as part of its plan to strengthen the life sciences sector, Chancellor Rachel Reeves said during meetings in Washington this week. “We do need to make sure that we are an attractive place for pharmaceuticals, and that includes on pricing, but in return for that, we want to see more investment flow to Britain,” Reeves told reporters.

Recent ABPI report, ‘Creating the conditions for investment and growth’, The UK’s pharmaceutical industry is integral to both the country’s health and growth missions, contributing £17.6 billion in direct gross value added (GVA) annually and supporting 126,000 high-skilled jobs across the nation. It also invests more in research and development (R&D) than any other sector. Yet inward life sciences foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 58per cent, from £1,897 million in 2021 to £795 million in 2023, while pharmaceutical R&D investment in the UK lagged behind global growth trends, costing an estimated £1.3 billion in lost investment in 2023 alone.

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