Govt pursuing economic diplomacy for socio-economic development: FM

FM says entrepreneurs should take advantage of lucrative business opportunities in the country

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Friday said the government is pursuing economic diplomacy for the country's socio-economic development, reported Radio Pakistan.

Addressing an investment conference in Islamabad, the FM stated various steps had been taken to create a pro-investment environment, and entrepreneurs should take advantage of lucrative business opportunities in the country.

Highlighting achievements of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on the foreign policy front, the foreign minister said Pakistan played a role for peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, took peace overtures towards India, including the opening Kartarpur corridor, and reinvigorated relations with China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, Malaysia and Iran.



Qureshi also reiterated that Pakistan had secured financial assistance from friendly countries to overcome its balance of payment issue. He added that the agreement on the second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the signing of the free trade agreement with China will contribute significantly to the country's socio-economic development.

"Saudi Arabia has committed $20 billion investment in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Malaysia are also eyeing on investment in various sectors in the country," the foreign minister said.

FM Qureshi also told the audience that ExxonMobil company has been engaged in the exploration of energy resources while concerted efforts are also being made to promote tourism, and new visa regime has been introduced to this effect.