World Economic Forum: Zardari parades Pakistan’s economic possibilities in Amman
President says his country is a force multiplier for economies from Middle East to China.
JORDAN:
At a Dead Sea resort on Saturday, President Asif Zardari told the World Economic Forum that Pakistan was alive and kicking with economic opportunity.
In a session titled “A conversation with the President of Pakistan”, conducted by Professor Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, Zardari listed Pakistan’s selling points to the international audience.
The president mentioned the country’s strategic location next to the world’s largest growing economies, China and India, a youthful and productive workforce, a population approaching 200 million and liberal economic and political policies.
Zardari claimed these factors make Pakistan a force multiplier for the economies of the region straddling across China, India and the Middle East. Pakistan’s geopolitical location, he added, places it as a gateway to Central Asia, with the bonus of being able to provide access to warm waters.
Pakistan’s contribution in the war on terror was also mentioned, as Zardari emphasised the importance of an environment of peace and stability in order for entrepreneurial activity to thrive.
After the president’s speech, the floor was opened up for questions. Zardari spoke on a host of issues, including the potential of Pakistani youth – not just in their home country but also abroad. Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar quoted the president as saying that with the migration of Indian and Chinese citizens back to their respective countries, Pakistanis can fill the gap.
According to Babar, Zardari cited the Benazir Income Support Programme as a route through which more young people would be trained to take up vocations all over the world. The programme also helps disempowered elements within Pakistani society, Zardari said, adding that Pakistan is the second largest doctors’ exporter to the US.
The president said that in a world dominated by market economies and energy, there are huge advantages and opportunities for Pakistan and global entrepreneurs. The president also highlighted the negative environmental aspects of global industrialisation, referring to unprecedented floods causing losses worth billions.
Zardari meets Jordanian King
Zardari also called on King Abdullah of Jordan on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
Bilateral relations and the regional situation were discussed amidst calls for a second round of talks on free trade.
The presidential spokesperson said that the President also called for an early holding of the 9th session of the Joint Ministerial Commission, which he said was a useful forum for enhancing relations in various fields.
The president thanked the monarch for Jordan’s support to Pakistan’s candidature for the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council, as well as for its relief assistance to the flood victims in Sindh and for often supporting Pakistan in times of need.
Zardari also invited King Abdullah and Queen Rania to Pakistan for a visit.
Along with Babar, Interior Minister Rahman Malik, Chairman Board Of Investment Saleem Mandviwalla and Pakistan’s Ambassador Atiya Mahmood were also present at the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2011.
At a Dead Sea resort on Saturday, President Asif Zardari told the World Economic Forum that Pakistan was alive and kicking with economic opportunity.
In a session titled “A conversation with the President of Pakistan”, conducted by Professor Klaus Schwab, founder and executive chairman of the World Economic Forum, Zardari listed Pakistan’s selling points to the international audience.
The president mentioned the country’s strategic location next to the world’s largest growing economies, China and India, a youthful and productive workforce, a population approaching 200 million and liberal economic and political policies.
Zardari claimed these factors make Pakistan a force multiplier for the economies of the region straddling across China, India and the Middle East. Pakistan’s geopolitical location, he added, places it as a gateway to Central Asia, with the bonus of being able to provide access to warm waters.
Pakistan’s contribution in the war on terror was also mentioned, as Zardari emphasised the importance of an environment of peace and stability in order for entrepreneurial activity to thrive.
After the president’s speech, the floor was opened up for questions. Zardari spoke on a host of issues, including the potential of Pakistani youth – not just in their home country but also abroad. Spokesperson to the President Farhatullah Babar quoted the president as saying that with the migration of Indian and Chinese citizens back to their respective countries, Pakistanis can fill the gap.
According to Babar, Zardari cited the Benazir Income Support Programme as a route through which more young people would be trained to take up vocations all over the world. The programme also helps disempowered elements within Pakistani society, Zardari said, adding that Pakistan is the second largest doctors’ exporter to the US.
The president said that in a world dominated by market economies and energy, there are huge advantages and opportunities for Pakistan and global entrepreneurs. The president also highlighted the negative environmental aspects of global industrialisation, referring to unprecedented floods causing losses worth billions.
Zardari meets Jordanian King
Zardari also called on King Abdullah of Jordan on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
Bilateral relations and the regional situation were discussed amidst calls for a second round of talks on free trade.
The presidential spokesperson said that the President also called for an early holding of the 9th session of the Joint Ministerial Commission, which he said was a useful forum for enhancing relations in various fields.
The president thanked the monarch for Jordan’s support to Pakistan’s candidature for the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council, as well as for its relief assistance to the flood victims in Sindh and for often supporting Pakistan in times of need.
Zardari also invited King Abdullah and Queen Rania to Pakistan for a visit.
Along with Babar, Interior Minister Rahman Malik, Chairman Board Of Investment Saleem Mandviwalla and Pakistan’s Ambassador Atiya Mahmood were also present at the meeting.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 23rd, 2011.