Pakistan seeks global trade for economic self-reliance

Norwegian investors eye housing, IT, oil and gas sectors.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that Pakistan is looking for trade with the world to be able to achieve economic self-reliance.

He was talking to a Norwegian business delegation at the Prime Minister’s House on Friday. The delegation is currently in Pakistan to explore possibilities of investment and enhance trade between the two sides.

Gilani said Pakistan welcomes foreign investment in every sector and has designed its policies accordingly with multiple incentives for investors.

He added that the government would support Telenor, a Norwegian telecom company operating in Pakistan, in organising an ‘investment conference on opportunities in Pakistan’ in Norway. He said the Board of Investment, Trade Development Authority (TDAP), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce would be directed to cooperate in this effort.

The prime minister expressed confidence that the visit of the Norwegian business delegation would prove fruitful and pave the way for enhancing trade.

He assured the delegation of maximum security for Norwegian investors as being given to other foreign companies working in Pakistan.

He said terrorism could be affectively confronted through socio-economic development and creation of economic opportunities, particularly in under-developed areas.

Norwegian delegation leader Amir Jawed Sheikh stressed the need of reactivating the chambers of commerce and industries in both countries to interact closely and take advantage of opportunities.

The delegation members said they have explored opportunities for investment in the housing, information technology and oil and gas sectors.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 12^th, 2011.