November 30, 2002	Saturday	Ramazan 24, 1423

ISLAMABAD, Nov 29: The BoI Chairman, Waseem Haqqie, on Friday said Pakistan was ideal country for investors, having highest rate of return on investment, highly skilled labour force and a vibrant Board of Investment (BoI) to facilitate investors.

He was briefing a three-member Austrian Defence Delegation, which called on him here on Friday. Austrian Defence Adviser, Rudolf Lohoberger, who headed the delegation, said an Austrian Trade Delegation shall visit Pakistan in mid-December this year and meet business community to explore the possibilities of joint ventures in construction industry, service sector and tourism. Austria can prove a good partner as 95 per cent of its economy is in private sector and have a strong SME base.

The chairman, BoI, highlighted the investment policy and business potential of Pakistan. He said that Pakistani products are highly competitive. There is complete protection to investment in Pakistan.

All sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, infrastructure and service sector are open to foreign investors who are offered the facility of repatriation of capital and profits. Pakistan priority sectors are SMEs, oil & gas, agriculture and IT. Secretary BoI, Shuja Shah was also present on the occasion.