Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Sunday assured the world investors that the present democratic government will ensure the continuity of economic policies and there would be no paradigm shift.
"There would be no paradigm shift in the economic policies. We are consistent and rather will be improving the economic policies," the Prime Minister said while addressing a special interactive session in the World Economic Forum on the Middle East titled ''Global Leader in the Spotlight'' here in the Red Sea resort.
The Prime Minister spoke at length on various issues ranging from Pakistan''s role in the global fight against terrorism, relations with the neighbouring countries, challenges faced by the new government particularly the food and energy crises, economic and investment policies and responded queries of the participants.
Gilani said his government will introduce some new policies to tackle the food crisis adding the agriculture sector and the agro-based industries will be promoted and encouraged for long-term solution of the problem. The Prime Minister said he will soon announce a comprehensive energy policy to deal with the existing energy crisis, faced by the country. He said the top priorities of the elected government are economy and fight against extremism and terrorism.
The Prime Minister said the government will make fundamental changes in agriculture sector which is backbone of the economy to promote agriculture and overcome the food shortages. The Prime Minister urged the business community from the Middle East to invest in energy sector in Pakistan.
He told the business leaders that after its transition to democracy, Pakistan is ready for business. People are awaiting democracy dividends, which could be delivered by the government with the help of friends abroad, he added.
The Prime Minister said European Union and NATO have emerged as a major partner for Pakistan in the field of development and security. While Pakistan provides critical support to NATO in Afghanistan and working together in the counter terrorism campaign, we seek greater support from the European Union for our economic development.
He said Pakistan''s relations with the United States have now matured into a long term, broad-based strategic partnership which covers collaboration in political, security, defence, economic, commercial and technical spheres.
"This relationship is critical for stability in our region and international peace and security," he said.
The Prime Minister said Pakistan remains keen to intensify its relations with the US by seeking greater access to market and technology. Referring to his government''s 100-day programme, he said despite enormity of global challenges before us, Pakistan has the capabilities to achieve the goal of peace and prosperity. Pakistan has a strategic location and is fast emerging as a bridge for cooperation among countries of the region.
The Prime Minister was confident that despite many challenges, the country would achieve 6 percent growth rate. He said Pakistan has managed to diversify its economy while nurturing agriculture. "We have strong services sector and consolidating our manufacturing base."
He emphasised the need for promoting understanding and tolerance among different faiths. He said poverty and injustice anywhere is a threat to prosperity and is a breeding ground for conflict and troubles.
Replying to questions, the Prime Minister said they have brought back democracy and with it comes economic stability. The government is making few reforms to stabilise the economy.
He said both the major parties have agreed to restore the deposed judges. They are working about the modalities and the issue is how they should be restored. They are treading the path very carefully. They are having dialogue with the PML-N and hoped the issue will be resolved soon as the intention is to restore the judges.