ISLAMABAD, April 18: Prime Minister Mir Zafaruallah Khan has said his government would offer in the next budget new facilities and incentives to the investors and businessmen.

“My government is working out details to extend new facilities and incentives specially to the foreign investors in the budget for 2003-04 with a view to promote investment and industrialization in the country”, he assured.

Talking to reporters after having witnessed “Futurz 2003” exhibition organized by the Board of Investment (BoI) in connection with a two-day International Conference on Investment and Privatization, he said on Friday that his government would go an extra mile to provide maximum facilities to the investors.

The prime minister pointed out that there existed greater political and economic stability in Pakistan to invite foreign investment. “My government is ready to extend every possible support to the foreign investors”, he said hoping that the two-day conference beginning from Saturday will help attract meaningful investment in all the major sectors of the economy.

Mr Jamali said that he was currently in touch with concerned government officials to make sure that the new budget should fully look after the investors.

Pakistan today, he pointed out, was more safe and ideal for foreign investment. “I have directed my people that investors should not face any difficulty in establishing their business in Pakistan”, the prime minister said adding that Pakistan would welcome new investment. This investment, he said, was necessary for country’s economic development and prosperity.

Responding to a question, he said that the holding of an international conference on investment and privatization was a “good omen” for Pakistan. “Last year this conference was held and this year again it is being held and we want to make it a regular feature so that foreign delegates and investors can themselves assess the investment climate and facilities in Pakistan”, Mr. Jamali said.

The holding of such investment conferences, the prime minister believed, was a road to progress as they were largely participated by foreign delegates and investors.

However, he said, that there was a need to improve the image of the country for attracting investment and undertaking other mega economic activities.

Answering a question, he said he was impressed by the work done by Pakistani defence experts and scientists for developing various kinds of indigenous arms and ammunitions. “Our scientists are doing a great service to the nation and their job should be appreciated”, the prime minister added.

He offered no comments when asked about the combined opposition parties’ continued protest against Legal Framework Order (LFO) in the National Assembly. “You better today talk about investment and business opportunities in Pakistan rather than making me say any thing on LFO”, he said.