Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani on Wednesday emphasised that the Board of Investment (BoI) must follow its objectives and ensure one window operation for investors all over the country. Highlighting the important role of the BoI, Gilani said it acts as a focal point for prospective investors, both domestic and foreign to provide them with all necessary information and assistance in co-ordinating with other government departments/agencies.
The Prime Minister was talking to Minister of State/Chairman Board of Investment of Pakistan, M Saleem H Mandviwalla who called on him and briefed him about his recent visit to Tajikistan. Gilani said Pakistan's geo-strategic location, availability of skilled manpower, better infrastructure, provision of raw material and low manufacturing cost makes it a destination of choice for foreign investments. He added that this strategic advantage alone makes Pakistan a marketplace teeming with possibilities and accordingly the investment policies have been designed to suit investor needs.
While mentioning his interaction with various heads of the governments during SCO (Shanghai Co-operation Organisation) meeting, the Prime Minister said they had positive views regarding the investment opportunities in Pakistan. He said the potential entrepreneurs of the region must be encouraged for investment in various sectors in Pakistan, particularly energy and infrastructure.
Mandviwalla briefed the Prime Minister on his recent visit to Tajikistan. He said Pakistan is supporting Tajikistan government through its investment in different sectors such as cement, pharmaceutical, hospital tools and equipment, minerals, oil exploration, textile and food processing.
He said the Tajikistan government has also sought technical and institutional support of government of Pakistan in the field of education. The BoI Chairman informed the Prime Minister that the business forum provided an excellent opportunity to businessmen of Pakistan and Tajikistan not only to interact with each other but also apprise themselves of the economic potential of each other in various fields and avail of the opportunities of investment in both the friendly and brotherly Muslim countries.