I extend a very warm welcome to all the dignitaries of the D-8 countries who are visiting Pakistan in connection with the D-8 Business Forum. This Forum, I am sure, will provide an opportunity to explore enormous business potential of member countries.
It will also help the private sector of the D-8 countries to exchange views on contemporary challenges and form mutually beneficial collaborations. They would be facilitated by their respective chambers, trade bodies, Pakistan Business Council, OICCI and other business forums, which have a job cut out for them.
I invite all the respected CEOs attending the Conference to invest in the various sectors of Pakistan such as energy, agriculture, agro-based industries, mineral development, water projects, transport and engineering goods etc. Agriculture is the mainstay of Pakistan's economy with a contribution of 20.9% to GDP in FY2010-11. Pakistan is the third largest producer of raw milk in the world with growth potential of 20% per annum in exports. Karachi, the largest city and financial capital of Pakistan, currently has a requirement of 500,000 additional housing units per year, in order to cater to demand for the ever growing population.
Keeping in view the potential of our economy, Pakistan is one of the most attractive investment and trade destinations for the businessmen all over the world. I sincerely hope that by utilising the opportunity given to us by this forum, there would be considerable success in the initiation of business and investment ventures among the D-8 countries. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to all the visiting delegates and wish them a comfortable stay.