July 15, 2003	Tuesday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 14, 1424

ISLAMABAD, July 14: Saudi Prince Faisal Abdullah Al-Faisal Al-Saud said on Monday his country’s investors were keen to invest in Pakistan and to broaden the existing strong bonds between two countries.

While visiting the Privatization Commission, Prince Faisal and his team expressed keen interest in the privatization opportunities, especially those in hotels, tourist resorts, banking, telecommunication and the energy sector.

The delegation was given a briefing by Privatization Commission secretary Ahmad Waqar on various privatization opportunities in Pakistan.

Minorities, Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Rais Munir Ahmad on the occasion expressed the hope that the visit of the delegation would further promote investment activity and give boost to the existing commercial and trade ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

The Privatisation Commission secretary said Pakistan as a matter of policy encouraged foreign investment. “There is no distinction between local and foreign investors and the government is endeavouring to further promote and develop its exiting economic relations with Saudi Arabia by associating the Saudi investors in the Privatization programme,” he stated.

The delegation was also briefed about the upcoming major transactions, including Hayatt Regency Hotel Project, Faletti’s Hotel, Malam Jabba Ski Resort, PTCL, HBL, OGDCL, PSO, FESCO, Jamshoro Power Plant, KESC, etc., being offered for privatization.

Meanwhile in a meeting with Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, Prince Faisal Abdullah appreciated the economic reforms initiated by Pakistan in various sectors of economy, including investment sector.

He added that he had come here to explore ways and means for making investment in Pakistan. He said after meeting with the ministers and government officials he was impressed with the investment polices of the government.

Earlier the finance minister briefed the Saudi Prince about the economic reforms that had improved the macro-economic situation in the country. The minister also informed him about the vast investment opportunities being offered by Pakistan through its investment friendly environment.—APP