British investors want to invest in different sectors, like power generation and Industry, but they are afraid of the uncertain situation, growing terrorism and insecurity in Pakistan. If Pakistan succeeds in restoration of normalcy, rooting out terrorism, then there would be unprecedented investment because Pakistan is rich in natural resources, said Robert Gibson, Deputy High Commissioner of UK, and Director Trade & Investment.
While addressing the executive committee of Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) chaired by Anis Ahmed Sheikh. Earlier a cultural delegation visited Multan. Rober Gibson said that there was no difficulty or worry for the genuine students in United Kingdom. "However, we would not let any one to create trouble or do negative activities in the guise of students."
He said that United Kingdom had increased its exports to Pakistan by 16.8 percent and imports by 9 percent in spite of economic crisis in the world. He said that UK wants to see Pakistan economically strong and prosperous and want to invest in different sectors.
He advised the manufacturers and exporters to send good quality products to UK and other European countries which should be up to the WTO standards, otherwise they would lose the market. Gibson said that Pakistan would require 100,000 megawatt electricity by 2030, and UK wants to invest in this sector to meet electricity requirements of Pakistan.
He said Pakistan-Britain Trade and Investment Forum (PBTIF) has played an important role in improving trade and commerce ties between Pakistan and the UK. President of MCCI Anis Ahmed said: "Because of its geo-strategic location, the availability of skilled manpower, infrastructure, provision of raw material and low manufacturing cost, Pakistan has become a destination of choice for foreign investors."
He said that Pakistan viewed the UK as a key economic partner."Pakistan attaches high importance to energy, oil and gas exploration in which lucrative returns are being offered to foreign investors."
He hoped that Britain would participate in new power generation projects in Pakistan. Some of the projects he identified with potential growth and high returns include alternative energy, housing sector, roads building, surgical and sports goods, food processing, gems and jewellery.
"You can also participate in housing industry as the government is keen to provide the people with low-cost houses whose construction also benefit related vending industry," he said. Anis said poverty can be addressed by generating jobs opportunities through industrialisation, and added that for the export-oriented industries and businesses, the government has established a number of export processing zones in the country with special incentives. "Textile sector, food business, carpets, electronics, rice, surgical instruments and hospital supplies, herbal medicines, gems and stones are areas where I would urge all our MCCI members to take interest to find potential partners or invest on their own", he said.
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