ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Saturdayreaffirmed that Pakistan was pursuing pro-active diplomacy and itsrelations with other countries were ‘getting stronger’ as the governmentlooks to boost foreign direct investment through Special InvestmentFacilitation Council (SIFC).
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad after second session of thetwo-day proceedings of the civil-military SIFC, the foreign minister notedthat the caretaker government was taking steps to remove the problems offoreign investors, adding that SIFC’s key objective was addressinginvestors’ problems.
Terming the European Union (EU) as Pakistan’s “important partner”, he saidthe country’s trade with all the countries increased during recent months.“Trade with the United States (US) increased by $3 billion”, he added.
FM Jilani further said that Pakistan’s ties with the regional and theinternational community were getting stronger. “Pakistan’s defence,political and economic relations with the world are improving,” he added.
He also said the country’s relations with China were very strong and tieswith the United States are witnessing positive trajectory. “Pakistan alsoenjoys good relations with Saudi Arabia, Middle East, GCC, South Asian andCentral Asian countries,” he added.
The caretaker minister announced that Look Africa Policy has beenformulated and Pakistan’s relations with African countries will be furtherenhanced.
“Steps are being taken to solve the problems of international investors,”he said, adding that long-term visas will be provided to the investors.
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On his part, Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti said that asignificant business-friendly visa policy was introduced, aiming to promoteinvestment and stimulate economic growth.
He said that, under the revised policy, the visa process has beenstreamlined to be more business-friendly, facilitating foreign investors inestablishing businesses within the country.
Additionally, visas will be issued with greater ease to individualsassociated with business entities, and recommendations from bodies like theChamber of Commerce will also be considered.
Jawad Sohrab Malik, in his remarks, said a cell will be established incollaboration with the Interior Ministry where issues related to theoverseas Pakistanis will be solved.
