Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said here on Monday that the per capita income in the country had reached up to $800 per annum, which was almost double in just four years. Talking to BBC World, he said that foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic ventures would touch the highest levels during the current fiscal year.
"The economy is brimming with confidence, and just beginning to attract foreign investments," he said. Despite the devastating last year's earthquake, he said, the country's economy was showing more than 6 percent growth rate due to the reforms and judicious policies of the government. The middle class is also growing fast. Pakistan is the most open trade country in South Asia.
"We have no restriction on trade from any country. Tariffs have been reduced. Trade from Pakistan to India is increasing." Relations with India were heading in the right direction. "Indeed, certain disputes need resolution. Pakistan cannot push or wish them away," the Prime minister said.
"Kashmir dispute has to be resolved, if we are to have normal relations with India," he added. Responding to a question he said that Pakistan was neither apologetic, nor defensive about democracy in the country. "We know what we are doing. We know what is good for the country. We can decide our own political system which meets our needs," he added.