PM invites Bahraini investors to explore business options in Pakistan

Foreign investors do not face barriers to entry or exit from Pakistan.

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said the government of Bahrain as well as its business community could benefit immensely from the opportunities arising from the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

He was talking to a high-level delegation comprising prominent businessmen and investors of Bahrain that called on him at the PM Office, said a press release.



Minister for Industries, Commerce and Tourism, Kingdom of Bahrain Zayed R Alzayani was also present on the occasion.

The Bahraini business delegation was led by Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industries (BCCI) Chairman Khalid Almoayed.

The premier said the economic outlook of Pakistan had altogether changed over the last three years, which had been acknowledged by independent financial institutions.

“My government after coming to power started making efforts to put the economy on a path of sustained long-term economic growth,” he said. “In this context, focus remained on public-private partnership, improved productivity in agriculture sector, removal of energy shortage, enhanced industrial competitiveness, better service delivery and upgraded human capital.”

He told the delegates that Pakistan was open for business and over 1,000 multinational companies (MNCs) were profitably running in the country.



“MNCs enjoy a level playing field with domestic investors and do not face any barriers to entry or exit. They could expand capital and infrastructure without hindrance,” he added.

The prime minister said foreign direct investment (FDI) was protected under law and the law of special economic zones had been made to meet global challenges of competitiveness to attract FDI.

Pakistan offers unlimited opportunities and investment prospects in various sectors such as energy, agriculture, food processing, infrastructure and communication technology.

The premier welcomed the setting up of the Pakistan-Bahrain Joint Holding Company by Bahraini businessmen. “We are confident that it will be successful in increasing bilateral trade and investment,” he said.



He asked investors to explore investment opportunities in Pakistan, specifically in the commercial and tourism sectors.

Bahraini businessmen appreciated Pakistan’s investment policy, saying they were keen to play an active role in expanding the volume of trade between the two countries.

They expressed keen interest in taking part in Pakistan’s emerging economy and increasing imports from Pakistan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 30^th, 2017.

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