Islamabad, March 18, 2019 (PPI-OT): Mr. Werner E. Liepach, Director General of Central West Asia Development, Asian Development Bank, along with his delegation, called on Mr. Haroon Sharif, MOS/Chairman BOI, at BOI Islamabad today. During the meeting, Mr. Sharif stated that “the Prime Minister of Pakistan is taken a clear leadership role in reviving the economy and making Pakistan lucrative destination for investors. In this regard, the BOI Board has been revived and first meeting of the Board, under the chairmanship of Prime Minister, will be held in a couple of weeks”.
Talking about the efforts of the government, Mr. Haroon Sharif stated that a number of neighbouring countries are ready to take long-term investment stakes in Pakistan and coming forward with solid projects. He added that with the focus of Prime Minister in hospitality and tourism sector in particular, the investors have also shown great deal of interest and at least 5 multinational hospitality chains are in negotiations with BOI on their investment plans.
Chairman BOI, Mr. Haroon Sharif, also apprised the Director General ADB on the areas being focused by the government, including framework for industrial development, development of Special Economic Zones and moving from traditional industry to adding value to exports through technology driven solutions. He said that ADB can assist the government by providing expert technical advice to BOI as well as by creating a fund to finance and address the shortcomings in the existing 7 Special Economic Zones.
The Director General ADB told Mr. Haroon Sharif that his organization is prepared to help by bringing in their expertise for formalization of different policy frameworks as well as by linking the private sector investments with investment opportunities in Pakistan. He informed that the private sector team of ADB, visiting Pakistan, is looking at opportunities to invest in private ventures. Mr. Liepach shared that AD is keen to enhance connectivity for trade and investment with Central Asia as well.
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