The National Coordinator for the Special Investment Facilitation Council(SIFC), Dr. Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan, has voiced apprehension regarding thedelay in investments from Middle Eastern countries in Pakistan. Heattributes this delay to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to him, Middle Eastern countries have shifted their attentiontowards the Gaza situation, potentially causing a delay in the proposedinvestments from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This concern wascommunicated to the media during a briefing.
During the briefing, Dr. Jahanzeb emphasized that the current focus ofMiddle Eastern countries on the Gaza situation might impact the timelinesfor the proposed investments from the GCC countries.
He revealed that the establishment of the SIFC was based on recommendationsfrom GCC countries, with the aim of streamlining investment processes. Hehighlighted a shift from short-term loans to government funding in order toencourage investments in funds.
Moving on to other developments, it was discussed that the Cabinet islikely to expand the list of countries on Pakistan’s business visa list.This could potentially open up new avenues for business and trade.
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In a separate meeting with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Dr.Jahanzeb briefed on SIFC’s role, portraying it as a supportive body thatprovides backup to various ministries. However, the IMF expressed concernsabout Pakistan granting special tax incentives and preferential treatmentto certain countries.
Shifting the focus to Pakistan-China relations, the Special Assistant tothe Prime Minister (SAPM) reassured that China remains a longstanding ally.Despite some issues, he affirmed that the relationship between the twocountries is still strong.
Specifically addressing concerns, he mentioned that while China might haveissues with the Pakistani government over pending dues of Multan-SukkarMotorway and some payments of power projects, both parties are committed toresolving these matters mutually.