Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday said Pakistan’s strategic location makes it a market having potential to become Asia’s premier trade, energy and transport corridor.
“Our government is extensively working on various infrastructures, energy and communication projects to facilitate trade and investment in diverse sectors,” the prime minister said in a meeting with Royal Friesland Campina CEO, Roelof A Joosten (Netherlands), here at PM House.
The prime minister said 60 per cent of the country’s population was less than 30 years of age comprising labour force of highly skilled professionals.
He informed the delegation that the government had recently extended subsidy on fertilisers to facilitate the farmers.
He mentioned that laws were promulgated for Special Economic Zones to meet global challenges of competitiveness and also to attract foreign direct investment (FDI).
“We are lucky to have a land with four seasons, abundant rich natural resources, extensive irrigation network, favourable climate, year round crop production, trained workforce and a vibrant economic outlook,” he said.
Nawaz Sharif said his government had focused on economic reforms to increase investors’ confidence as the country’s various indicators of growing and stable economy were acknowledged by international organisations.
Roelof A Joosten said, “We invested in Pakistan because Central Asia is very important for our business strategy and Pakistan offered us the opportunity to invest in the region.”
He also mentioned an increase in the dispensable income of middle class with urbanisation on the rise in the country.
“There is a growing need for high-quality dairy products in Pakistan. That is why we are bringing in our technology, capabilities and our experiences to develop these products for Pakistani market by working together with local farmer community,” the CEO said.
The CEO expressed his plan to make Pakistan dairy products export worthy and to invest an additional hundred million dollars in next couple of years.
He added that Pakistan was becoming an investment-friendly destination due to improved security environment, rapidly expanding quality infrastructure and marked reduction in energy shortages.
Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was also present during the meeting.
The visiting delegation comprised Hussain Dawood, Engro Corporation President and CEO Ghias Khan, COO Piet Hilarides, CFO Hein Schumacher and Royal Friesland Campina Director Hans Laarakker.
