Pakistan has tremendous opportunities of investment: PM



KARACHI, Dec 17 (APP) - Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz Saturday called upon foreign investors, businessmen, industrialists and entrepreneurs to avail the tremendous opportunities of investment in Pakistan, in the wake of rapidly growing middle class and the enabling environment provided by the government.

He was addressing a delegation of Overseas Investment Chambers of Commerce and Industry including members of American Business Council who called on him at the Governor's House.

Sindh Governor Dr. Ishratul Ebad Khan and Chief Minister Dr. Arbab Ghulam Rahim were also present on the occasion.

The Prime Minister said "Pakistan of today is Pakistan of opportunity, hope and promise" and is a country on the rise.

"With the right kind business environment, consistency, continuity and transparency of policies, the prospective investors will find themselves well placed to grow and prosper", he observed.

The Prime Minister said the country this year was expecting foreign direct investment to the tune of US$2-3 billion.

He said a stable exchange rate, low inflation, strategic location and availability of inexpensive but hard working labour make Pakistan a country suited ideally for investment.

The Prime Minister said the process of reforms, which lies at the core of our economic turnaround, would continue.

"We are constantly reviewing and improving our policies in line with that of our philosophy to restrict the government's role to a facilitator and enabler only, for promoting business activities all over the country", he said and addded "we are committed to promote investment and provide a level playing field for all investors local as well as foreign.

Welcoming the appointment of George Bush Senior as UN's Special Envoy for Pakistan Earthquake, the Prime Minister said this step alone reflects the confidence being enjoyed by the country internationally.

He also referred to the success of the recently held Donors' Conference in this connection.

The Prime Minister said that presently the government is focusing on poverty alleviation in the country's rural areas, where bulk of its population lives.

"Our policies are geared to benefit the rural segment of the society and indications are there to suggest that things are on way to improvement".

Mr Shaukat Aziz pointed out that emergence of middle class with growing purchasing power is indeed reflective of a healthy and robust economy. Terming transparency and efficiency as hallmarks of government policies, the Prime Minister informed the delegation that promulgation of "Fiscal Responsibility Law" by the Parliament is a step of revolutionary nature as only 4-5 countries in the world have this law and which is expected to bring in even greater transparency in our dealings besides restricting borrowing to a specified limit.

The Prime Minister also referred to international standard logistics chain being developed in the country and the North-South corridor as some major steps undertaken to improve, promote and expand the business related activities all over the country.

Thanking businessmen and investors for their valuable contribution towards the relief of quake victims, the Prime Minister urged them to actively take part in the Sponsorship Scheme launched by the government for the affected areas.

The members of the delegation commended the government's performance in the economic fields and lauded its business friendly policies which, they observed, are projecting Pakistan as the hub of business and industry.

"Corporate celebrities are making a beeline to Pakistan as the country has emerged lately as the one enjoying investors confidence" they maintained.


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