Gilani invites Qatari businessmen to invest in energy sector

Tuesday, 07 February 2012 21:33

DOHA: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday invited the Qatari businessmen to invest in Pakistan in diverse areas and said the country offered an attractive destination for investment in the fields of energy, infrastructure, hydrocarbon, defence and defence production.

In a meeting with the Chairman of Qatar Business Association (QBA), Gilani said the policies of the government on privatization, liberalization and deregulation juxtaposed with incentives offered an enabling environment for foreign investors.

He said the Doha Conference, being held to attract Qatari investment to Pakistan, would be a determined endeavour to persuade the potential investors. He said that Pakistan offered excellent and viable opportunities for businesses on durable basis.

Gilani expressed satisfaction over the offer by the Qatar government to hold exhibitions of Pakistani products in Doha, which were of great demand in the Gulf state.

He mentioned his meeting with the Qatar's Emir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani which focused on boosting bilateral relations and exploring opportunities in various fields including agriculture, deep sea fishing and banking.

Chairman Qatar Business Council Sheikh Faisal Al Thani, the biggest investor of the country who is at close terms with the royal family, said the Qatari investors would be happy to invest in Pakistan in various sectors. He said it would also serve the cause of the brotherly people of Pakistan.

He said he would facilitate in holding a meeting of Qatari investors with the Pakistani officials and the businessmen to ascertain the viable projects in various sectors of economy.

He said the support of both the prime ministers would brighten up the prospects of investment in Pakistan.

On the bidding for 3G (Third Generation) technology in Pakistan, the Chairman QBA said the forum studied the proposal and would encourage the investors in this regard.

Later, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Pakistan-Qatar Business Council and Qatar Business Association on cooperation in trade in various fields.

Prime Minister Gilani witnessed the signing ceremony as Chairman QBA Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa and President of Pakistan- Qatar Business Council Ahmed Aqeel inked the document.