Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi says socio-economic integration and uplift of FATA is a major priority of the government. He was talking to President of Asia Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) Jin Liqun at World Economic Forum in Davos on Wednesday.
The Prime Minister emphasized that funding water storage dams in FATA region will help in reintegrating and uplifting the region seamlessly. He also sought AIIB''''s support for implementation of some of shovel ready projects in water conservation, infrastructure and energy sectors.
The Prime Minister reiterated that Pakistan was AIIB''''s most enthusiastic supporter in its early stages and expressed the hope for building a strong and sustained relationship. The Prime Minister invited President AIIB to visit Pakistan.
AIIB is a multilateral development bank that provides financing support for infrastructure and regional connectivity. It has a capital of 100 billion dollars and Pakistan is one of the founding members of the bank.
Pakistan has a seat on the Board of Governors and AIIB has co-financed two projects worth 400 million dollars in Pakistan.
Talking to CEO of Japan Bank for International Cooperation Tadashi Maeda at World Economic Forum in Davos, the Prime Minister said the government will provide full support and facilitation to the Japanese companies that are interested to invest in Pakistan.
He hoped that JBIC will support Japanese companies in their investments in Pakistan particularly in the energy sector. He said Pakistan and Japan enjoy a very long and cherished history of economic cooperation that is of immense importance to Pakistan.
Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said in the last few years Pakistan has made tremendous achievements towards political stability, law and order, energy security, and economic growth. He said "we are hoping that these positive indicators will incite Japanese companies and businesses to enhance their ties."
The Prime Minister apprised that there are 84 Japanese companies currently operating in Pakistan and many more are expected to enter Pakistani market at an exponential rate. Prime Minister Abbasi invited JBIC to open its operations in Pakistan. CEO JBIC appreciated the economic stability achieved by Pakistan and expressed interest for investments in Energy and Telecom sectors. JBIC has provided funding for Kohat tunnel-I, II and other infrastructure projects. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Ali Jehangir Siddiqui and senior government officials were also present on the occasion.