Pakistan a market of unlimited opportunities: President Mamnoon

President Mamnoon Hussain on Tuesday said Pakistan was a market of unlimited opportunities owing to its strategic location and would serve as Asia’s premier trade, energy and transport corridor.

He was talking to a delegation of businessmen and companies from diverse business backgrounds, led by Chairman France-Pakistan Business Council of MEDEF International, Thierry Pflimlin at the President House.

French ambassador and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

The president said all sectors of the economy were open for investment and level playing-field was provided to local and foreign investors whereas visa on arrival facility was allowed for 69 countries.

A statement from the media wing of the President House quoted the president as saying that Pakistan was a gateway to the energy-rich Central Asian States, the financially liquid Gulf States, as well as China.

He said Pakistan had adopted a very liberal and investor-friendly policy which allowed 100pc repatriation of capital, profits and dividends, as well as exemption from taxes on import of plant, machinery and equipment.

He said there were over 1000 multinational companies (MNCs) profitably operating in Pakistan consider Pakistan as a most profitable country.

The president said abundant investment opportunities were available for foreign investors in the development of Pakistan’s communication sector, especially the Railways, international airports, highways and motorways under public-private partnership.

He said Pakistan and France enjoy excellent relations and recalled that Pakistan was the second largest export partner for France in South Asia.

He expressed the optimism that bilateral ties between the two friendly countries would reach new heights in future through cooperation in various fields.

Pflimlin appreciated the sound economic and fiscal policies of the government and said the country’s economy was reviving and was being acknowledged by leading financial institutions of the world.

He said Pakistan had the potential to emerge as a leading regional economy and added his country was keen to further expand bilateral relations with Pakistan.