Pakistan provides immense business potential for international investors: Finance Minister

Islamabad, February 27, 2014 (PPI-OT): “The economy of Pakistan is showing positive signs due to structural reforms introduced by the present Government and we have a very clear roadmap to facilitate Foreign Direct Investment in the Country” said Finance Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar in a meeting with delegation of international businessmen and investors accompanied by Special Envoy to PM for Overseas Investment, Ambassador Javed Malik at the Ministry of Finance today.

The Finance Minister briefed the investors about the business opportunities available in the multiple sectors. He said that Pakistan is the most attractive place for investment and the business potential is immense for international investors. He said that the positive economic indicators in the last seven months of the current fiscal year and expected growth rate of over 4% will lay down an economic outlook, attractive for investors.

The Finance Minister mentioned that with the 17% increase in the revenue collection in the last seven months the space for the Federal Government and Provinces will be increased considerably for investment in the development sector. He underlined that the growth rate in industrial sector is phenomenal and we are looking for 6-7% growth rate in the next three years.

He said that the energy sector and hydro carbon exploration are the priority areas as the country needs to meet its energy requirements. He said that the international investors will be facilitated on the fast track to do businesses in the country. He added that it will be win-win for both Pakistan which needs FDI and the international investors who are looking for reasonable returns to their investments.

Ambassador Javed Malik informed the Finance Minister that the Group had very useful meetings in Pakistan and the idea is to bring together a group of investors for investment in development of energy sector as an engine of growth.

Mr. Richard Quessnal, Chairman, Colt Resources Inc. said that they have the intention to invest over $4 billion in mining sector of Pakistan. Moreover, they have the capacity to invest $1 billion per annum for the next fifty years in Pakistan. He added that Colt Resources will built on the partnership from generation to generation and focus on transfer of technology to Pakistan.

The Investors, in their comments, said that the general message they received in Pakistan is positive and they are impressed by the investment opportunities in the country. They added that they want to be true partners with Corporate Social Responsibility are looking forward to harness the opportunities available in the Country.

Mr. Alun Richards, Chief Investment Officer, Mr. Shahal Khan, Royal Partners Energy, Mr. Nicolas Perrault Director Calvalley Petroleum, Mr. Pedro Costa, Managing Director, Mr. Yazit yusuff, Head of Capital Markets, RHB Islamic Bank, Haji Malik Shah, Colt Resources, Mr. Waleed Mushtaq, Pakistan International Business and Investment Council and Economic Advisor Finance Ministry Rana Asad Amin were also present in the meeting.

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