BoI plans investment conference in China

ISLAMABAD: Chairman, Board of Investment, Saleem H. Mandviwalla, has said that the representation of trade and industry in investment promotion forums should be enhanced, and the BoI was willing to partner with each other to promote foreign investment and trade in the country.

During a meeting with the Chairman of Standing Committee of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry, here on Wednesday, Mr Mandviwalla announced that the Board of Investment in collaboration with FPCCI would hold a trade and investment conference in China next month and it would prove to be a useful instrument for BoI and FPCCI, as it reflects the views of a vast business community.

This conference is being organised for the businessmen seeking lucrative investment opportunities in power, textile, home textile, leather and leather products, construction and infrastructure, mineral development, sports, shipping, auto manufacturing, dairy, agriculture and food processing chain stores etc.

BoI chairman praised the amplification in bilateral trade over the past few years but remarked that it was far below the real potential and the government needs to formulate an effective strategy to address concerns of foreign traders and investors if it wants to bring about a paradigm shift in attracting businesses to Pakistan.

Mr Mandviwalla further elaborated that the event will provide an excellent opportunity to businessmen and investors to interact with each other and get first-hand information on joint venture business and investment opportunities in various sectors of the economy.

The CEOs and businessmen of the leading Chinese and Pakistani companies will participate in the conference.

A business-to-business (B2B) interaction with Chinese investors will hopefully allow the initiation of joint ventures in trade and investment of different sectors.

FPCCI Standing Committee chairman Malik Sohail said that our cordial relations could be further strengthened in the shape of increased trade and investment in the country and this is a highly welcome development, which we may exploit / utilise to our maximise advantage.

DAWN