ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit Baltistan (KA&GB) Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has said that Pakistan and France enjoy friendly relations which are getting stronger with passage of time.
He stated this while talking to the French Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Marc Barety who called on him here in Islamabad on Friday.
During the meeting, bilateral relations between the two countries with particular reference to the social and economic development of Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit Baltistan (GB) were discussed.
Discussing the priorities of his government, Gandapur said that Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan was committed to his vision of transforming Pakistan into a prosperous country by developing the social and economic sectors of the country.
Highlighting the great potential of mining and tourism sectors of AJK and GB, the minister said that his government was committed to go the extra mile in the development of these sectors. He also discussed the different strategies and prospects of foreign investment for the development.
He said that the government intended to develop new tourist resorts, roads and recreational activities to attract more tourists to the area. He informed that the visa policy, security and rescue related services for foreign tourists, expeditions, trekkers and mountaineers were also being improved.
Underlining the importance of foreign investment in these sectors, the minister said that the government would encourage the establishment of industries and relevant technology in GB’s mining sector.
He highlighted the potential of hydroelectric projects and other sectors of the region which could be a source of great attraction for foreign investors.
Ambassador Barety praised the incumbent government for its commitment to the social and economic uplift of the region. He informed the minister about his country’s ongoing development projects and investments in Pakistan.
He said that his country would extend maximum cooperation for the development of social sectors of AJK and GB.
Furthermore, he shared his ideas and experiences gained during his visits to the area and said that the people of the region were brave, strong, self-reliant and had an urge for progress and development.
The French ambassador expressed his hope of both countries continued work for the betterment of the people of AJK and GB.
