IMPROVED ENVIRONMENT ATTRACTING INVESTORS TO PAKISTAN-says Dr. Hafeez Shaikh

Islamabad, June 07, 2005

The improved economic scenario and the conducive environment are attracting investors in all sectors of economy to Pakistan. Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Federal Minister for Privatisation & Investment stated this during a meeting with Mr. Masood Ahmed Director General for British Policy & International Department for International Development who called on him here today.

Dr. Shaikh said that Pakistan has embarked upon liberal economic, trade and investment policies with a renewed commitment and continuity of these policies, which has restored the investors confidence and made Pakistan a safe haven for investment. The government allowed 100 equity to investors in all the sectors while ensuring maximum facilitation, he added.

He further stated that the Telecom sector has been opened up for investment under the deregulation policy and the roads network building was progressing well, making the developments on the infrastructure front.

Discussing the poverty alleviation in the country the Minister stressed upon the donors to come forward with determination and figure out feasible mechanism to implement their projects in this regard.

Mr. Masood Ahmed Director General for British Policy & International Department for International Development (DFID) while elucidating the purpose of his visit informed the Minister that UK's DFID was determined to reinforce the UK's support for Pakistan's poverty reduction agenda. Mr. Masood will hold meetings with partners in government, the private sector and the donor community to discuss the achievements and upcoming challenges in this regard.