News
Sunday, June 30, 2013
Zardari asks Cameron to invest in Pakistan* President says Islamabad will continue to support efforts for peace in Afghanistan
* UK PM says smooth transition of power reflects maturity achieved by democracy
ISLAMABAD: Calling for expanding the scope of foreign direct investment from Britain in the fields of energy, infrastructure development, agriculture, agro-based industry and mining, President Asif Ali Zardari said that Pakistan looks forwards to UK’s investment, especially in the energy sector. He was talking to British Prime Minister David Cameron at the Presidency on Saturday.
Discussing bilateral relations, the president said that Pakistan considers UK as a friend and genuine development partner. He said that it was a matter of great satisfaction that Pak-UK Enhanced Strategic Dialogue (ESD) that covers entire spectrum of bilateral relations had institutionalised the consultation process in all areas of mutual concern and interest.
Highlighting the investment-friendly regime of the country, the president said that Pakistan would welcome both UK investors who wanted partnerships and those who wanted to operate independently. The president said, “We are working simultaneously on coal mining and coal-generated power plants, and would welcome UK expertise.” The president expressed satisfaction over the fact that the mutual trade between the two countries was following an upward trajectory. He said that sustained efforts should continue to go beyond the target of £2.5 billion set under 2012 Pakistan-UK Trade and Investment Roadmap.
While thanking the British prime minister for his personal efforts in securing trade concessions for Pakistan in the EU and the UK’s advocacy for Autonomous Trade Preferences for Pakistan, the president said that Pakistan was keen to be included in the GSP Plus Scheme in 2014.
He said that Pakistan would greatly welcome UK assistance for early consideration of its request by the EU.
The president said that the GSP Plus would create jobs and economic opportunities for the unemployed youth of Pakistan.
President Zardari also said that Pakistan was a staunch supporter of peace and stability in Afghanistan and would continue to support every effort aimed at restoring sustainable and long-term peace to the war-torn country.
Spokesman to the President Senator Farhatullah Babar, while briefing the media on the meeting, said that the British prime minister on the very outset of the meeting congratulated the president for overseeing a smooth transition from one democracy to another and observed that the smooth transition of the government reflected a measure of maturity achieved by the country and “augurs well for further strengthening of democratic traditions in the country”.
President Zardari, while thanking the visiting dignitary, remarked that the credit for smooth transition went to all political parties, the parliament and above all the people of Pakistan for participation in the electoral process despite threats from militants and anti-democratic elements.
He said that the smooth transition of the government as a result of the electoral process was a clear demonstration that the ethos of the people was democratic and that was why dictatorship failed to take roots in the country. The spokesman said that two rounds of talks were held – one at the delegation level and the other in a one-on-one meeting.
Pak-UK bilateral relations and regional situation were discussed during the meetings with special reference to some recent developments aimed at bringing peace in the neighbouring country. Discussing the regional situation, the president recalled the three trilateral summits that were facilitated by the United Kingdom and appreciated its role towards promoting reconciliation in Afghanistan.
He reiterated that Pakistan considered regional peace and security vital for its own socio-economic interests and it would continue to support every effort aimed at restoring peace, stability and development in Afghanistan and in the region.
The president emphasised that Pakistan all along had maintained a constructive approach and believed that dialogue and reconciliation was the only way forward towards ensuring durable peace in Afghanistan.
The president welcomed efforts being made for finding a peaceful solution to the long-drawn conflict in Afghanistan. He hoped that the efforts made would also take into account legitimate concerns of all the stakeholders. staff report
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk