Foreign entrepreneurs keen to invest in Pakistan: PM

LAHORE (92 News) – Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday foreign investors have shown growing interest to invest in Pakistan due to immense market potential of the country and improved governance. Addressing members of Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lahore, PM Khan assured the businessman and traders to not worry about rupee devaluation, outlining steps the government intends to take to improve economy. Imran Khan said that clampdown on money laundering, attracting foreign investment and promoting ease of doing business are among the steps the government will take for improving the economy. The prime minister explained that Pakistan was received positive response from Saudi Arabia, UAE and China. “Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)’s anti-corruption campaign also played its part in presenting the country as moving towards good governance,” he said. For money laundering, the premier said that a grand crackdown will be done on those involved and that a new legislation in this regard would also be introduced next week. The PM said mammoth international brands have started investing in the country due to increased confidence in government’s policies. He said Japanese automaker Suzuki is going to invest 450 million dollars, while beverage brands Pepsi 800 and Coca Cola 500 million dollars into the country. He said the return of Exxonmobil to the country after a lapse of 27 years is a testament to the fact that Pakistan is an attractive destination for foreign capital. The prime minister said a Chinese automaker Foton JW in a joint venture with a Pakistani company will set up a complete vehicle manufacturing plant with an investment millions of dollars. Imran Khan said Pakistani businessmen can exploit many opportunities globally to increase their exports. In this regard, he referred to 2000 million dollar Halal industry in which Pakistani businessmen can contribute by exporting the halal meat products worldwide. PM Khan said the government is giving all out facilities to exporters for increasing the exports of the country. He said the existing foreign remittances are to the tune of 20 billion dollars at present and can be enhanced to 30 billion dollars by giving more incentives. “We are establishing a special office to facilitate Ease of Doing Business for investors,” the prime minister said. Imran Khan said that money laundering is causing a loss of 10 billion dollars to the country annually. He said we are bringing legislation next week to initiate a major clampdown against this menace. Imran Khan said more than 120 million youth in this country are an asset for us and the world sees them a big market for their products as well as recruiting ground for employment opportunities.