ISLAMABAD: French companies and entrepreneurs acknowledging improved security situation in the country coupled with present government’s investor-friendly measures on Monday expressed their interest in investing in various sectors of Pakistan including agriculture, manufacturing, energy and others.
Talking to media-persons here along with Ambassador of France to Pakistan Marc Barety, the French companies’ representatives, currently on a four-day visit (April 8-11) of Pakistan, lauded the measures taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan to check corruption and improve the security situation in the country.
The delegation of MEDEF (Movement of the Enterprises of France) comprising 23 French companies was being headed by Thierry Pflimlin also met President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday.
They said their visit was aimed at assessing the situation, potential of investment and highlight the positive image of Pakistan.
To a question, the members of French delegation said that France had a clear stance on China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and was supportive of regional connectivity.
They appreciated the quality of Pakistani manpower and said that some French were also engaged and cooperating with Pakistan in the training and capacity building of the country’s manpower and human resource in diverse areas.
The French companies which expressed their interest to invest in various sectors including the water supply and sewerage projects in the country, however, mentioned some obstacles in the way of smooth investment including the issue of financing – due to less cooperation between Pakistani and French banks – and infrastructure problems.
The French delegation, which consisted of companies from various sectors including construction, agriculture and agribusiness, banking, oil and gas, industry, urban development, water treatment, energy and IT, will also travel to Lahore and Karachi to hold meetings with Pakistani authorities and private sector representatives.
APP