July 30, 2003	Wednesday	Jumadi-ul-Awwal 29, 1424

ISLAMABAD, July 29: Commerce Minister, Humayun Akhtar Khan held a meeting with Canadian Minister of International Trade, Pettigrew in Montreal and discussed with him matters of bilateral interest.

The Commerce Minister briefed his counterpart on the government policies for promotion of trade with the US and Canada and the salient features of the new Trade Policy, says a fax message received here on Tuesday.

Humayun Akhtar said that the investment climate in Pakistan was very favourable for the international business community, as many Pakistani businessman are ready for joint ventures with foreign investors in various fields especially in information technology, fisheries, textile and food industry.

The minister urged the Canadian investors to come to Pakistan for study and preparation of feasibility as present government would provide all assistance in this regard besides various incentives.

Later, the commerce minister held one to one meeting with representatives of large business houses and businessman and discussed matters relating to promotion of business and trade between the two countries.

On the occasion, the Canadian Minister for International Trade, Pettigrew said that Canadian businessmen were very keen in joint ventures with Pakistan and for this purpose they were in the process of discussion with Pakistani delegation.

He appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan government for promotions of trade between the two countries and expressed the hope that the trade volume would be increased in near future as Canada was interested in textile and leather products beside other items.

The High Commissioner of Pakistan in Canada, Shahid Malik was also present on the occasion.

Humayun Akhtar was in Canada to attend the 3-day WTO conference.—APP