Sindh strives to woo investors

The Sindh government is working aggressively to boost economic activities across the province, including a mega construction project in Karachi, to attract foreign investors and overseas Pakistanis, Sindh Minister for Information Sharjeel Inam Memon announced.

He said this while speaking as chief guest at the 18th Build Asia International Conference and Exhibition at the Expo Centre on Tuesday.

He said the mega construction sector project would generate job opportunities for many skilled and educated individuals across the province.

He also revealed that the Sindh government was engaged in talks with the Chinese government to establish an assembly plant for buses. Additionally, options are under consideration to introduce an electric cab scheme and import an additional 100 buses to address the urgent requirement of transportation for the masses.

The provincial government is working in collaboration with the federal government to provide an enabling business environment and fool-proof security to foreign investors in order to restore their confidence, the minister said.

Sindh government has met with high-level delegations of Chinese investors and businessmen from different sectors to facilitate them in undertaking different projects at the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone, which is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"We are working to attract domestic and foreign investment in Karachi in cooperation with the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC). Karachi remains the best destination for doing business," he remarked.

He lauded the introduction of easy visa policy for foreigners, saying that the government should rethink policies to make Pakistan a desirable place for living and investment.

"The provincial government is working to facilitate foreign and local businessmen as well as encourage them to actively initiate economic activities, including trade fairs that attract foreign delegates," Memon added.

The participation of foreign delegates in the exhibition of construction and allied sectors is a very positive sign, which is aligned with the provincial government's policy to boost the confidence of investors.

Speaking on the occasion, Ecommerce Gateway Pakistan Vice President Farhan Anis highlighted that the construction sector was witnessing innovation and upgrading of technology at a faster pace to improve the standard of living and work.

The Build Asia Conference and Exhibition is the flagship event for construction and allied sectors, which connects stakeholders and introduces various emerging concepts for sustainable and environment-friendly construction.

The three-day event showcases latest trends, technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of construction industry and brings together key stakeholders from across the country.

Several exhibitors from 10 different countries are participating in the event, which is expected to attract more than 35,000 visitors from over 42 ancillary sectors, including aluminium, bricks, cement, glass, marble, paint, steel, tiles and transportation.

The event also featured seminars on real estate investment and financing trends in Pakistan and a regional moot on tourism, hospitality and real estate.