Investors from 15 countries participating in Multilateral Investment & Trade Conference

KARACHI: The Multilateral Investor & Trade conference 2011, a joint effort by the bilateral business groups of friendly countries based in Pakistan and the Board of Investments (BOI) and Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), to boost global business relations between progressive countries and Pakistan, is being held on Thursday, October 20 at a local hotel in Karachi.

Investors and business leaders from more than 15 countries have confirmed their participation in the strategic breakout groups which include infrastructure & energy, engineering, agriculture & dairy, mines & minerals and pharmaceuticals.

The conference has been arranged with the collaborated efforts of the business forums from Australia, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Russia, Sri Lanka and Switzerland, showing confidence in the productivity and potential of the Pakistani people and resources.

Saleem H. Mandviwala, Minister of State & Chairman, Board of Investments (BoI) said, “It is heartening to see the enthusiastic response to this call for consolidation of potential investors and business leaders from the international market. The recent economic slowdown and recessive trends in the global industrial sectors have necessitated a collaborative approach towards quick economic revival”.

Abdul Kader Jaffer, Chairman of the conference and also the President of the Pakistan-Japan Business Forum, expressed his confidence in the productivity and potential of the country by saying; “Pakistan’s economy offers vast opportunities for foreign enterprises and investors, to manufacture, import, relocate and re-export a wide range of high-quality products, commodities, services and resources. The pool of qualified human resources, skilled labour force and a conducive business environment will auger well for investors seeking to do business with Pakistan.”

Pakistan offers very attractive features and a business friendly environment for Foreign Direct Investments and international trade collaborations. These include; a strategic geographical location, Three warm-water Sea-Ports, the world’s 6th largest population, a rich service culture, 5-Year Tax Holidays, liberal profit repatriation, 100% foreign equity options, and a minimal 0-5% duty on plant and machinery.

Several international business leaders, ambassadors and senior corporate executives will be attending the inaugural session which begins at 10.00 a.m. The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi OE and Mr. K. Kaneko, Chairman, OATS, Japan, and Mr. Ian James Donald, Managing Director, Nestle Pakistan will be among the keynote speakers.

Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Federal Finance Minister will be the chief guest at the closing session after lunch which will include conclusions of the five breakout sector deliberations by Sohail P. Ahmed of the PJBF, and a sum-up of the conference by Tariq Puri, Chief Executive, TDAP.