ISLAMABAD - Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said in nine months of PTI government the country has achieved tangible outcomes of its socio-economic developmental policies.
Addressing the investment conference here, foreign minister said it was time for entrepreneurs to take advantage of pro-investment environment that has taken place in the country under incumbent government.
FM Qureshi said as a responsible neighbor, Pakistan played a role for peace and reconciliation process in Afghanistan, took peace overtures towards India, including opening Kartarpur corridor.
“Kartarpur spirit envisioned by Prime Minister Imran Khan has hopes for a fresh push for dialogue and diplomacy with new govt in Delhi”, he added.
He said, “We have reinvigorated relations with China, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Qatar, Malaysia and Iran with the spirit of partnership and renewed stronger economic dimensions.
Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Pakistan secured financial assistance from friendly countries to overcome its balance of payment issue.
He said that signing of Free Trade Agreement(FTA) with China on second phase of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) will contribute significantly towards socio-economic development of the country. He said Saudi Arabia has committed twenty billion dollars investment in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Malaysia are also eyeing on investment in various sectors in the country.
He said that key task in diplomacy was to work towards creating a peaceful external environment with ultimate goal to deliver peace and prosperity. The Minister said concerted efforts are being made to promote tourism, and new visa regime has been introduced to this effect.
He added that in partnership with relevant stakeholders country was institutionalising the economic diplomacy planning. “One area of particular focus has been ‘science diplomacy’ with the focus of technological linkages among counterpart institutions, matching labour skills with international market and to improve Pakistan's access to smart international technical assistance”, he told.
Foreign Minister reaffirmed that it was time to invest in Pakistan as some of the most powerful countries are linking up and investing in Pakistani economy in various fields.