Jean-Rene Fourtou, Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), has said that the purpose of his visit to Pakistan is to take a stock of the prevailing investment climate in Pakistan and discuss ways and means with the government and business representatives to bring more foreign direct investment in the country.
Addressing a press conference at a local hotel, he said ICC would help Pakistan attract foreign investments through improving the country's image abroad.
He said: "The purpose of my visit is to underline the world business organisation's support for the economic reform initiatives that ICC Pakistan is pressing the Pakistani government to adopt."
He applauded the efforts of ICC Pakistan to promote the foreign investment the country so urgently needs.
He notes with satisfaction moves by the Pakistan government to strengthen protection of intellectual property rights. "Confidence that intellectual property will be safeguarded is a further important factor in encouraging foreign direct investment," he added.
"The prevailing law and order condition is much better in Pakistan as against projected in media abroad," he said, adding, "this negative propaganda scared away the foreign investment."
He advised the business community to project Pakistan as a potential place for investment.
"Doing business in Pakistan is much easier as compared to many states of South America," Fourtou said, adding, "many European countries are shifting their business and ICC will encourage them to bring their business to Pakistan, particularly the textile industry."
INDO-PAK TALKS: He welcomed the recent successful meeting between the leaders of Pakistan and India. He hoped that it would lead to an improvement in relations between the two countries and great prosperity for their people.
He said that ICC has always promoted the expansion of trade and deeper international business relations among all nations. "Such exchanges are a force for peace in the world."
He expressed confidence that the business community of India and Pakistan will be eager to play (a major role) in creating closer ties between the two countries.
He invited Dr Ishrat Hussain, Governor State Bank, to attend the ICC 35th World Congress scheduled to be held from June 6-9-2004 at Marrakesh.
He said that the congress would provide an opportunity to the participating countries to discuss issues of globalisation, problems, which would arise with opening of trade and the proposed rectification etc.
Replying to a question Maria Livanos Cattaui, Secretary General ICC, said, "piracy is a robbery and theft and it should be discouraged".