Pakistan paradise for foreign investors: ADB

Asian Development Bank (ADB) chief advisor Robert Heron said on Thursday Pakistan is a paradise for foreign investors where a large number of opportunities are available for them in construction industry, textile and mining sectors. Talking to newsmen, Robert Heron who is here in a day-long visit to attend the SMEDA Consultative Workshop on SME policy said that for the last couple of years the government of Pakistan has announced special incentives of foreign investors and now it up to them to fully utilise the economic friendly policies of the country.
He said Pakistanis are keen to develop their business, which is a good sign for the Pakistan's economy. The micro-economics of the country is on the upward trends which have restored the confidence of foreign donor agencies like Asian Development Bank.
Robert said that marketing in foreign countries was the key area in which Pakistani traders and exporters should focus on. He said this will not only increase the exports of the country but the image of Pakistanis goods would be further improved internationally.
"Pakistan should make a strong linkage with the foreign embassies to use them as an agent to develop the country exports under WTO regime," he remarked. He added that it will help the Pakistani exporters to compete with the foreign businessmen under the World Trade Organisation (WTO).
Robert said the Asian Development Bank (ADB) would Join hands with the government of Pakistan to alleviate poverty from the country.
He said there is big potential in the Pakistan's youth because of their inquiring mind. The talented youth only need proper coaching to make their mark in every profession of their choice, he added. "I was much impressed of the friendly and tolerant attitude of Pakistani, he remarked.
He added that he was very impressed from the ancient art and Mughal architecture in Lahore. "The people here are some of the friendliest and most hospitable that have met in years of being travelling almost to 60 countries across the world," he remarked.
The foreign media should project the softer image of Pakistan instead of the few religious extremist activities, he added.
He reiterated that Pakistan is a very safe country for foreigners and they must visit and invest. English speakers are found everywhere in Pakistan, saying that he travelled Gilgit, Lahore Karachi, Peshawar where he found hundreds of foreign tourists having no complaints whatsoever.