Former Canadian Minister for Regional Industrial Expansion and the leader of the Canadian Investment Delegation currently visiting Pakistan Sinclair Stevens has invited Pakistani business community to open their offices in Canada to have maximum access to world most developed markets in US and Mexico.
Addressing the Executive Committee and other members of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Stevens said that Pakistani Companies should also initiate joint ventures with Canadian companies to enjoy the privileges the Canada has under the Nafta Agreement.
He apprised the LCCI members about other incentive given by his government to the industry.
He maintained that Pakistan had tremendous potential that could contribute to the world economy.
The visiting delegation showed keen interest to invest in sectors like IT, Telecommunication, high-pressure aluminium die-casting and auto parts projects as well as joint ventures for manufacturing distribution of CNG equipment.
The delegation has created partnerships in the field of auto-parts and IT sector and is looking for many more.
LCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar invited Canadian businessmen to make investment in Lahore and the Gwadar Port to take benefit from their strategic location that carries regional advantages.
He said that the Pakistan today is in the process of making a place for itself in a fast-changing scenario. Canada as an erstwhile friend has always been of great value and support.
In the changing times what is required is an understanding of the true potential of the Pakistani market, he added. He also drew the attention towards making investment in profitable sectors like food processing, light engineering, textile and post harvest Technology.
The Canadian firms should join hands with local food brands and identify their extended markets in the wake of future developments in the region under the umbrella of the Saarc, he added.
The president of Canada-Pakistan Business Council Anwar Merchant, who was also accompanying the delegation, said that the Safta would certainly help grow the regional economies like Nafta.
He also assured the House his all-out co-operation to the future ventures with their Canadian counterparts.
Among others EC Members Mian Muzaffar Ali, Nuaman Kabir, Mubasher Sheikh Irfan, Qaiser and Almas Haider attended the meeting.