October 5, 2002	Saturday	Rajab 27, 1423

ISLAMABAD, Oct 4: Federal Minister for Trade and Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood on Friday told the Sri Lankan businessmen that Pakistan offered conducive environment for trade activities.

According to a press release issued here on Friday the minister was addressing a meeting of the “Ceylon Chamber of Commerce” at Nawan Mawatha (Colombo). Mr. Dawood assured the Lankan businessmen all possible facilities and one-window operation under Board of Investment (BOI).

He said that Pakistan had rich potential in textile, chemicals and engineering sectors and urged them to explore investment opportunities in these sectors.

During the meeting special gratitude were paid to the Commerce Ministers of both the countries for their untiring efforts for finalizing Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Businessmen of both the countries are keeping high hopes of substantial increase in volume of trade between the two countries after signing of the FTA.

While responding to a question Mr. Dawood said that signing of FTA was in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) and Pakistan will be taking a “quantum jump” in this regard by signing FTAs with Bangladesh, Kenya and Morocco.

He said that this was the right time for the developing countries to pool up their economic resources for the development and prosperity of their people.

Later, the minister along with Pakistani business delegates held dialogues with Ceylon National Chamber of Industries, where they were received by President of Lankan Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Dawood also took part in the individual meetings of trade delegations at Lankan Board of Investment Office where he apprise them of the great opportunities of investment awaiting in Pakistan.

In the evening Mr. Dawood attended a presentation given by Mangala P.B. Yapa, general manager, Colombo dockyard. Matters pertaining to improving shipping services between Pakistan and Sri Lanka were discussed at length.

Pakistan’s trade minister and businessmen also attended a dinner, which was arranged by Lankan minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs Ravi Kula Ratanye.