January 10, 2003	Friday	Ziqa’ad 6, 1423

ISLAMABAD, Jan 9: France and Singapore are expected to make direct and joint venture investments in Pakistan’s engineering sector, a government official has told Dawn.

French Ambassador, Yannick Gerard, is meeting Minister for Industries Liaqat Ali Khan Jatoi on Friday to make a formal offer for cooperation in hydel power projects, transfer of technology in the fields of desalination, conversion of cement plants to coal and small and medium enterprises.

The official said that French investors were also keen to invest in Pakistan’s export processing zones and the ambassador would discuss issues relating to the visits of French delegations.

Meanwhile, a 17-member delegation from Singapore is visiting Pakistan on a week-long visit from January 12 to explore investment opportunities and joint venture partnerships with local entrepreneurs.

The head of Singaporean delegation, Dr. Toh See Kiat, who is also head of the Goodwins Law Corporation, said these sources, has already conveyed that the delegation had planned to invest around $10 million in Pakistan following the visit.

The delegation would visit various chambers of commerce and industries besides holding talks with government officials for investments in manufacturing and information technology sectors.