“We are implementing reforms and policies; we mean business, and Pakistan will be a good host,” Dar told the gathering of prominent business
leaders. DESIGN: CREATIVE COMMON
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar Friday invited American entrepreneurs to make use of lucrative investment opportunities existing in Pakistan, as he assured businessmen of Islamabad’s commitment to good governance and transparency to facilitate business and economic activity, while visiting the United States (US).
The finance minister is trying to meet with as many world leaders as possible, to attract investment for Pakistan.
Speaking to members of the US-Pakistan Business Council, Senator Dar expounded the vast investment potential the country offers in the fields of energy, gas and oil exploration.
“Transparency, merit, due process, good governance are going to be hallmarks of the government,” he stated.
“We are implementing reforms and policies; we mean business, and Pakistan will be a good host,” he told the gathering of prominent business leaders.
The new government, he said, is focused on addressing three inter-related problems including energy, economy and extremism.
On steps towards meeting Pakistan’s exponential energy requirements, the minister spoke of the Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha dams and that completion of these projects would help ensure smooth flow of energy.
He informed the business and corporate leaders of the reforms and measures the government had taken to check inflation, curb fiscal deficit, attract foreign investment, bolster revenues, step up tax collection.
As a result of the new government’s steps, the international business and financial institutions’ confidence in the country’s economic development potential had increased tremendously, said Dar.
The minister, who is heading a Pakistani delegation to annual IMF-World Bank meetings, is accompanied by Finance Secretary Dr Waqar Masood Khan, Governor State Bank Yaseen Anwar and Secretary Economic Affairs Division and Nargis Sethi.
Earlier, Esperanza Jelalian, Executive Director of the Council, welcomed the Minister.
In her opening remarks, Carolyn L Brehm, Vice President of the US Pakistan Business Council, spoke of the great economic potential of Pakistan and its advantageous geographic location.
“Our members see value in Pakistan’s geographical proximity --- it has a talented workforce,” she said, noting that a number of companies are running profitable businesses in the country.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 13th, 2013.
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Who are these so-called "prominent" business leaders that the article is talking about? do you really think that the likes of Tim Cook or warren buffet were there? They have more important things to do than to meet Ishaq Darr or Nawaz Sharif. I bet majority of these are private government contractors who are looking to get a piece of the DFID/USAID money that comes into pak.
lets stop nato supplies and attract US private sector.
Carry on Dar. Insha-Allah you will have success.
All big multinationals are making more profit here, percentage wise, compared with other regional countries. Nestle have inaugurated the second biggest milk plant in the world, which the company have elsewhere. Unilever, P&G, all are having a double digit growth. P&G have just inaugurated a state-of-the-art plant in Port Qasim area. They are buoyant about Pakistan economy.
With the ZIRP in place at the Fed, the whole world has become a giant carry trade.
@Lal - If you are from India (as the name suggests), don't forget that corruption and poverty are problems India also faces. Pakistan has always been ahead of India in ease of doing business. Yes, Pakistan is facing bigger security issue, but most multinationals are hugely profitable in Pakistan.
Reko Diq is a glaring example on why international investors are going to shy away from Pakistan. You can't try and steal an multi billion copper mine from Canada and Chilian investors without having the World take notice. Your not going to get American investors until you formally agree to use international arbitration and forgo Pakistan judicial system - something that won't be popular in Pakistan. Further - basic issues like security. corruption, and anti Americanism are going to have to be tackled before American's take your overtures seriously.
What american investors can get in return from pakistan.Its a country have security problems,corruption,poverty etc u name it, even a fool will not invest in such an unstable country.