ISLAMABAD – Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said in nine months ofPTI government the country has achieved tangible outcomes of itssocio-economic developmental policies.
Addressing the investment conference here, foreign minister said it wastime for entrepreneurs to take advantage of pro-investment environment thathas taken place in the country under incumbent government.
FM Qureshi said as a responsible neighbor, Pakistan played a role for peaceand reconciliation process in Afghanistan, took peace overtures towardsIndia, including opening Kartarpur corridor.
“Kartarpur spirit envisioned by Prime Minister Imran Khan has hopes for afresh push for dialogue and diplomacy with new govt in Delhi”, he added.
He said, “We have reinvigorated relations with China, Saudi Arabia, theUnited Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, Malaysia and Iran with the spirit ofpartnership and renewed stronger economic dimensions.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan secured financial assistance fromfriendly countries to overcome its balance of payment issue.
He said that signing of Free Trade Agreement(FTA) with China on secondphase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will contributesignificantly towards socio-economic development of the country.He said Saudi Arabia has committed twenty billion dollars investment inPakistan and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Malaysia are also eyeingon investment in various sectors in the country.
He said that key task in diplomacy was to work towards creating a peacefulexternal environment with ultimate goal to deliver peace and prosperity.The Minister said concerted efforts are being made to promote tourism, andnew visa regime has been introduced to this effect.
He added that in partnership with relevant stakeholders country wasinstitutionalising the economic diplomacy planning. “One area of particularfocus has been ‘science diplomacy’ with the focus of technological linkagesamong counterpart institutions, matching labour skills with internationalmarket and to improve Pakistan’s access to smart international technicalassistance”, he told.
Foreign Minister reaffirmed that it was time to invest in Pakistan as someof the most powerful countries are linking up and investing in Pakistanieconomy in various fields.