Prime minister woos foreign investors


May 09, 2010

KARACHI: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani has invited foreign investors to make investment in Pakistan, saying the country is being made a regional hub for trade and energy deals.

He was speaking at the Brands of the Year award ceremony at the Governor’s House on Friday. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Acting Governor Nisar A Khuhro were also present. Gilani said that Pakistan has already liberalised its economy and is blessed with immense untapped potential.

“Our private sector has assumed the role of a frontline player in the economic field.” “Strategically positioned at the crossroads of South Asia, Central Asia and West Asia, we aspire to make Pakistan a hub of regional trade and energy transactions,” he added. Gilani pointed out that Pakistan with a population of 170 million people was a large market with a sizable workforce equipped with skills and expertise. He said the government has assured support and cooperation to local and foreign investors and welcomes them to look at Pakistan as a preferred investment destination.

Gilani added that a number of recognised international brands were utilising raw material and skilled manpower of Pakistan to produce world-renowned products which are manufactured and tagged here in the country. However, “we could not produce such a single internationally acclaimed brand of our own.” He said “Pakistan produces world-class brands as we are the one who manufacture footballs which have been used in the world’s popular game of soccer since decades.”

Similarly, foreign companies are marketing Pakistan’s surgical instruments with their brand names all over the world. “It is a challenge for our business community and entrepreneurs to introduce our own brands without wasting any further time,” he said. The government was ready to extend all possible support but businessmen have to put their own house in order, he said.

Gilani expressed confidence that Pakistani entrepreneurs would be able to establish their brand identity in the near future and the brands would soon be marketed the world over with the tag “Made in Pakistan”. He also gave away awards to the top brand winners.

Published in the Express Tribune, May 09/05/2010

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