ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: President Mamnoon Hussain has said that Pakistan is the gateway to energy rich Central Asian States, the financially liquid Gulf States and China, adding that this strategic advantage alone makes Pakistan a market of unlimited opportunities.
In a meeting with a delegation of businessmen/companies from diverse business backgrounds led by the Chairman France-Pakistan Business Council of MEDEF International Thierry Pflimlin in Islamabad on Tuesday, the president said that Pakistan is strategically located to become Asia’s premier trade, energy and transport corridor.
The president highlighted that Pakistan has adopted a very liberal and investor friendly investment policy which allows 100 percent repatriation of capital, profits & dividends as well as exemption of taxes on import of plant, machinery & equipment.
Mamnoon Hussain said that all sectors of economy are open for investment and level playing field is provided to local and foreign investors whereas visa on arrival facility is allowed for 69 countries. He said that there are over 1000 multinational companies profitably operating in Pakistan which consider Pakistan as a most profitable Country.
President Mamnoon said that abundant investment opportunities are available for foreign investors in the development of Pakistan’s communication sector especially the railways, international airports, highways and motorways under public private partnership.
The president said that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) is fully protected under the federal law. He urged foreign investors to take advantage from lucrative investment policy of Pakistan by investing in its various sectors to the mutual benefit of all.
The president said that Pakistan’s population of approximately 195 million people offers a huge consumer market with a trained labor force.
Mamnoon said that the agriculture sector is a vital component of Pakistan’s economy as it provides raw materials to the down the line industries and helps in poverty alleviation. He said that Pakistan has impressive dairy industry which can be exploited to its real potential as it is the fourth largest milk producing country in the world.
President Mamnoon said that Pakistan and France enjoy excellent bilateral relations and recalled that Pakistan is the second largest export partner for France in South Asia. He expressed optimism that bilateral ties between the two friendly Countries will reach new heights in future through cooperation in various fields.
The Chairman France-Pakistan Business Council of MEDEF International Thierry Pflimlin appreciated that owing to sound economic and fiscal policies of the government, the Country’s economy is reviving which is also being acknowledged by leading financial institutions of the world.
Thierry Pflimlin said that Pakistan has the potential to emerge as a leading regional economy and said that his Country is keen to further expand bilateral relations with Pakistan.
Mamnoon Hussain wished the visiting delegation a fruitful and productive stay in Pakistan.
The French ambassador Martine Dorance and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
