DOHA: President Mamnoon Hussain on Monday urged the Qatri royals and entrepreneurs to invest in diverse areas of Pakistan by taking advantage of the country’s geo-strategic location, investment-potential, business-friendly climate and the government investor-friendly policies for win-win.
The President expressed these views during his meeting with a delegation of Qatri royals and businessmen, which led by Chairman of Qatri Business Association Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim Al-Thani met him here.
President Mamnoon Hussain, who is in Doha on a four-day official visit at the invitation of the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, told the delegation that with investor-friendly regulations and the highest profit margins in the region, Pakistan was considered a land of opportunities for foreign investors.
He called for investment in energy, infrastructure, education and agriculture sectors, particularly, in corporate farming, Halal food and dairy farming.
The President said the Qatri investors could have joint ventures in Pakistan at public and private levels in different sectors including the production of cement to cater to the growing demand of cement in Qatar in view of the construction boom in Doha, which was preparing to host the FIFA 2022 World Cup.
He further said that with improved governance in Pakistan, investors have regained their confidence, adding, the International Financial Institutions (IFIs) were acknowledging Pakistan’s achievements in economic and fiscal arenas.
The President said the landmark project of China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would also open new avenues and business opportunities for the investors in diverse areas of trade and economy.
He was confident that Pakistan was in good hands, its future was bright and on the basis of economic performance and business potential, it would emerge as one of developed nations by 2050.
The President told the royal businessmen that under the CPEC several energy projects including nuclear, coal, solar and wind were being established in Pakistan, adding, the CPEC would not only benefit Pakistan and China but the whole region including the Middle East and Central Asian States.
He said the Central Asian States were eager to connect with the Corridor that would link Khunjrab at Pak-Chinese border with Gwadar (Balochistan), at the Arabian Sea.
Sheikh Faisal bin Qasim Al-Thani said the relations between Qatar and Pakistan were rooted in common faith, culture and history.
They evinced keen interest in having enhanced business ties with Pakistan and said they would form a Steering Committee in their business association for exploring the possibilities of Joint Ventures and business opportunities in Pakistan.
Sheikh Faisal said that they would like to evolve a concrete mechanism to have pro-active business engagements and cooperation between Pakistan and Qatar. They said Pakistani authorities should forward concrete proposals to their association, identifying the areas of investment for Qatri entrepreneurs to step in.
The President assured the delegation of his full support and said he would direct the Pakistani Board of Investment (BOI) to draw a robust business plan and also visit Doha to have interaction and consultation with the Qatari Business Association in this respect.
