JAPANESE DELEGATION MEETS HAFEEZ SHAIKH

Islamabad, May 4, 2005

A four-member Japanese delegation led by Prof. Reizo Utagawa, Executive Director Institute for International Policy Studies, Distinguished Fellow, Tokyo Foundation called on Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh Minister for Privatisation & Investment here today.

Briefing the delegation regarding the economic, investment and privatisation policies of Pakistan Dr. Hafeez Shaikh said that Pakistan was successfully practicing consistently reforms oriented liberal policies with an effective regulatory framework. Our neighborhood was getting better with development in infrastructure, which provided conducive environment for both local and foreign investors, he said.

The Minister stated that huge domestic market together with important geographical location and lots of mineral resources have made Pakistan regional hub for investment. There existed a vast scope to collaborate in various economic areas by developing links between the societies and the private sectors of the two countries, he added.

Dr. Shaikh further stated that we were trying to reduce the fiscal burden through the privatisation of public sector entities. We were in the process of introducing legislation for improving the legal system to provide comfort to the investors for speedy decisions within shortest span of time by the higher courts, he said.

The delegation members including Prof. Osamu Nariai of International Economic School, Reitaku University and other also exchanged views on the economies of both the countries. The senior officials of Economic wing of Japanese Embassy to Pakistan were also present during the meeting.