January 25, 2003	Saturday	Ziqa’ad 21, 1423

ISLAMABAD, Jan 24: Minister for Industries and Production, Liaquat Ali Jatoi on Friday said rationalization of tariff to make the country’s products competitive in the world market would be finalized by June 2003.

“About 60pc work has been completed while the remaining will be achieved by the end of June 2003,” he said adding “We have to take new initiatives to meet the challenges of WTO.”

“The input cost of the products would have to be made rational, enabling the local industry to compete in the world market,” Liaquat Jatoi said while addressing press conference here on Friday.

The minister stressed that investment is needed desperately for the economic activity, adding, in this respect single-desk policy has been introduced in the country to encourage the investors where the investors will be able to get all the necessary approvals and utility connections at one point.

He further stated that, to facilitate the foreign investors, an investment desk will be established at every international airport where their visas and security requirements will be dealt with.—APP