PM urgesTurkish investment in Pakistan

Karachi: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani asked the Turkish investors to take full advantage of the investment friendly atmosphere present in Pakistan and assured them the government would extend full support and co-operation to them.

Addressing a lunch on reception hosted in his honour by Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges (TOBB) here, the Prime Minister said, 'Pakistan offers vast investment opportunities in the sectors of energy, oil, gas mining, engineering, automobiles, infrastructure development, construction, IT and Telecom, health, education, agri business as well as small and medium enterprises.'

The Prime Minister said, 'We would welcome Turkish brothers to invest in any sector and we assures you that your investment will bring rich dividends in the lines of those already doing in wind energy and thermal power stations.' Prime Minister Gilani said the government in Pakistan has implemented measures to encourage foreign investment with liberal foreign exchange framework and full legal protection to foreign investment.

'All sections of the economy are now open to foreign investment, foreign investors can hold 100 percent equity and the business opening process has been extremely easy,' said the Prime Minister. He thanked the TOBB for its initiative in the development of business in Pakistan, especially in the fields of construction, power generation, auto and textile industry.

Referring to law and order situation in Pakistan, the Prime Minister it was the reaction of military action taken by the government against the terrorist elements. He however said due to timely action taken by the government and military, the law and order situation has been improving.

The Prime Minister said he is confident that the private sectors of Pakistan and Turkey will join hands with the governments of two countries to create even greater linkages and inter-dependencies for the mutual benefit of the people and contribute towards strengthening of brotherhood.

Gilani said Pakistan and Turkey share common interests and aspirations and the strategic partnership is a factor for global peace, stability and progress. 'We are united in our desire to promote peaceful resolution of all international disputes, including Cypress and Kashmir and promotion of mutually beneficial co-operation among all countries,' he added.

The Prime Minister also expressed his gratitude on behalf of people of Pakistan and his own behalf for the sacrifices his Turkish brothers and sisters rendered in any adversity that fell upon Pakistan especially after the earthquake that hit Pakistan three years ago. Gilani said, ' Turkey is a true and trusted friend of Pakistan and its all weather friendship which has withstood the test of time.'

He said Pakistan and Turkey share common interests and aspirations and their strategic partnership is a factor for global peace, stability and progress. Prime Minister Gilani said the investment climate that has already been applauded by most international fora is getting major boost this year to include Special Economic Zones and extension of major communication network to the deep seaport of Gwadar to turn Pakistan into a vibrant economy. He said it is his conviction that the economic growth achieved by Pakistan in recent years creates great opportunities for Turkish entrepreneurs.

He said with the emergence of Turkey as an exporter capital of Eurasia, there is every possibility for developing a win-win for both the sides. The Prime Minister said the governments of the two countries are determined to create the enabling environment for the private sectors, adding that the Pakistan government is upgrading communication and transportation linkages for better access to the trade between Europe and Asia.

Earlier, President TOBB Rifat Hisarciklioglu speaking on the occasion said Turkish investors have been taking active part in various projects in Pakistan and expressed the hope that with the