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Thursday, September 19, 2013
Nawaz seeks Turkish investment in Pakistan* PM tells businessmen vast investment opportunities exist in Pakistan in the areas of energy, housing, construction, infrastructure, textile, agriculture and oil and gas
ISTANBUL: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif Wednesday invited the Turkish businessmen and entrepreneurs to tap and explore vast investment opportunities that existed in Pakistan, particularly in the areas of energy, housing, construction and infrastructure, textile, agro-industry and oil and gas.
“Pakistan lies at the crossroads of south, central and west Asia. Being a market of more than 180 million people, our human resource capital, comprising a youthful, educated and skilled work force, is second to none in the world,” he said while addressing the Pakistan-Turkey Trade and Investment Forum here. The prime minister said, “Pakistan is also endowed with rich and untapped natural resources. Our coal reserves in Sindh are one of the largest in the world.” All these advantages coupled with a friendly investment policy offer ideal opportunities for investment in Pakistan, he added.
He said the present government’s primary aim was to create a conducive environment for trade and investment. “We have a liberal investment policy, which includes 100% equity ownership, full repatriation of capital, tax breaks, customs duty concessions on import of plant and machinery and raw materials.” The prime minister said special economic zones had been established with efficient infrastructure and one-window facility and more such zones were in the offing.
He said Turkey and Pakistan enjoyed deep-rooted relations, underpinned by eternal bonds of amity and brotherhood. The centuries-old love and affection that existed between the peoples of Pakistan and Turkey was unmatched, he said. “We have a spiritual communion exemplified by the poetry of Allama Muhammad Iqbal and Maulana Jallaluddin Rumi.” Prime Minister Nawaz recalled that this year had been a watershed for democracy in Pakistan, as for the first time, a peaceful transition from one elected government to another had taken place.
He said in the historic general elections held in Pakistan in May this year, the people of Pakistan gave a clear mandate to his party. “It has reinforced my resolve to serve the nation, with dignity and devotion,” he added. “Pakistan has had its share of challenges. However, the situation is looking up. I have no doubt that our today is better than yesterday and tomorrow would be even brighter. “ app
Courtesy www.dailytimes.com.pk