Foreign Minister reveals the contours of Pakistan foreign policy
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ISLAMABAD: Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Saturday reaffirmed that Pakistan was pursuing pro-active diplomacy and its relations with other countries were ‘getting stronger’ as the government looks to boost foreign direct investment through Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).
Addressing a press conference in Islamabad after second session of the two-day proceedings of the civil-military SIFC, the foreign minister noted that the caretaker government was taking steps to remove the problems of foreign investors, adding that SIFC’s key objective was addressing investors’ problems.
Terming the European Union (EU) as Pakistan’s “important partner”, he said the 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 the international 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 ties with the United States are witnessing positive trajectory. “Pakistan also enjoys good relations with Saudi Arabia, Middle East, GCC, South Asian and Central Asian countries,” he added.
The caretaker minister announced that Look Africa Policy has been formulated and Pakistan’s relations with African countries will be further enhanced.
“Steps are being taken to solve the problems of international investors,” he said, adding that long-term visas will be provided to the investors.
On his part, Caretaker Interior Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti said that a significant business-friendly visa policy was introduced, aiming to promote investment and stimulate economic growth.
He said that, under the revised policy, the visa process has been streamlined to be more business-friendly, facilitating foreign investors in establishing businesses within the country.
Additionally, visas will be issued with greater ease to individuals associated with business entities, and recommendations from bodies like the Chamber of Commerce will also be considered.
Jawad Sohrab Malik, in his remarks, said a cell will be established in collaboration with the Interior Ministry where issues related to the overseas Pakistanis will be solved.
