Pakistan To Set Up Task Force To Ensure Security Of Investors

Written by Writer on Monday, November 10th, 2008

Pakistan To Set Up Task Force To Ensure Security Of Investors

ISLAMABAD, Nov 9 (Bernama) — Pakistan’s newly established Ministry of Investment is planning to set up a task force to ensure a round-the-clock security for investors in the country.

The task force would comprise officials from the ministry and the Interior Ministry, said Minister for Investment Waqar Ahmed Khan.

He said the move was part of the commitment by the Pakistani government to protect the investors’ interests at all times although the situation here remained peaceful.

The ministry, he said, was also planning to establish another task force to find ways to bridge the gap between local and foreign investors so that investment opportunities could be utilised to the fullest.

“The opportunity in Pakistan is phenomenal. We are an emerging country, committed towards ensuring that we emerge out of this global economic crisis that you see today,” he told visiting Malaysian and Bruneian journalists here.

Waqar Ahmed said Pakistan was currently encouraging direct investment in all sectors, primarily in the infrastructure dealing with power, oil and gas, food and agriculture, communications and road network.

The ministry acts as a one-window facility in ensuring the smooth implementation of projects by investors and to troubleshoot the problems they face.

“If there is anything that does not go along with the investors’ investment guidelines, we are willing to take up the matter to the prime minister and the president and ensure that it is handled at the highest level,” he said.

Waqar Ahmed was confident that Malaysian investors would be in a position to come to Pakistan as the Malaysian economy was still strong.

He assured Malaysian investors that projects would be implemented on a fast-track basis.

“If you come today, we can set up meetings and appointments within 24 hours with any ministry.

“If there is further action to be taken, we can get it in front of the prime minister and the president to ensure that investors who come to Pakistan are given the right audience, and the right and quick responses,” he added.

– BERNAMA