Expats urged to help strengthen economy through FDI

Expatriates Pakistani are contributing their major role in strengthening national economy through foreign remittances. However, now time has come that they should make FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in the country. Addressing an awareness seminar organized by Canadian law firm, Syed Zia Alumdar Hussain President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FCCI) told that the trade deficit has attained an alarming proportion.
Although government has been making serious efforts to bridge the import-export gap and as a result of hectic exercise of last few months, exports are increasing and imports are decreasing with a steady growth in foreign remittances but for sustained and expeditious development, we need Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and it is the responsibility of the Pakistani expatriates to invest with technology transfer to strengthen Pak economy. He told that they will not only earn for themselves but also pay in return to the motherland that has given them identity, respect and wealth.
Tariq Shah of law firm told that Canada is a free country for all types of businesses. However, in this connection regulatory laws have to be followed.
Responding to a question asked by Dr Habib Aslma Ghaba, he told that medical profession is hold in great esteemed in Canada but as medical graduates from different countries apply for service and settlement, hence, they have to pass the mandatory competitive examination.
Haleem Akhtar Malik appreciated the cooperation of Canadian embassy in Islamabad and told that he had applied for visa for five years but in view of his regular traveling history, he has been granted visa for ten years. Answering a question of Rana Sikandar Azam, Tariq Shah told that most of the payments in Canada are made through credit cards and no one can even think for a "bounced" cheque.
Responding yet another question, he told that Canada is a large country where mechanized farming is preferred. Similarly drip irrigation system is used for cultivation of crops. Tariq Shah welcomed a proposal of Senior Vice President Mian Tanveer Ahmed to send a trade delegation to Canada and told that a delegation coupled with B2B meeting could also be arranged in Canada.
Other participants also asked different questions while Syed Zia Alumdar President FCCI presented shield to Tariq Shah. Later SVP Mian Tanveer Ahmed offered vote of thanks.