ISLAMABAD, Oct 05 (APP): Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif says business friendly economic policies and security situation have made Pakistan best destination for foreign investment.
He was addressing Pakistan-Belarus fourth Joint Trade and Business Forum in Islamabad on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister said that the forum reflects the confidence of foreign investors in Pakistan. He said the political and economic relation between Pakistan and Belarus are growing at a great speed. He said the joint ventures will open new avenues of cooperation.
He said when the government took over in 2013, the country was facing three challenges including power shortage, economic decline and security issues. He said due to the government’s efforts these challenges have been overcome in three years. He said we have reduced the government’s expenditure and achieved growth rate to 4.7 percent. He said the government has reduced inflation rate to three percent. He said Pakistan Stock Exchange is witnessing all time high index.
The Prime Minister said that the government is working on comprehensive package to improve exports. He said in field of energy we are working on a long term strategy. He said work is underway on 25000 megawatt power projects and out of this 10000 megawatts will be added by the end of next year.
He said Pakistan provides best business environment for the foreigners. He said the CPEC project of worth 46 billion dollars will change the fate of the region. He said similarly work is also underway on TAPI and CASA-1000 projects that will enhance regional connectivity and cooperation.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan wants to live in peace and dignity with the neighbours and the world. He said Pakistan strongly condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He said Pakistan security situation have improved a lot and Pakistan is a safe country for investment. He said Pakistan also provides legal protections to the foreign investors. He invited the Belarus investors to invest in Pakistan with confidence.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said that Belarus and Pakistan can cooperate in all sectors for the mutual benefits.
He said Islamabad’s investment friendly policies have opened up opportunities for Belarusian businessmen to invest in Pakistan.
The President said both the countries can cooperate in agriculture, banking, textile, forestry, customs, automobile, and standardization sectors.
Chairman Board of Investment Miftah Ismail said that Pakistan has rich natural and human resources and provides best opportunities for investment. He said the forum will open new avenues of cooperation between the two countries in trade and investment. He said Pakistan will provide all possible assistance for projects in Pakistan.
Chairman Belarus Chambers of Commerce and Industry Vladimir Ulakhovich said that Belarus is looking for new opportunities for investment and business in Pakistan.
APP/Saeeda
