28 August 2004	Saturday	11 Rajab 1425

ISLAMABAD, Aug 27: Prime Minister-designate, Shaukat Aziz on Friday sought enhanced economic co-operation with and an increased level of diplomatic support from Kuwait on regional issues.

He said this in a meeting with foreign minister of Kuwait, Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah here on Friday. According to an official announcement, during the meeting, Mr. Aziz called for expediting the process of signing of free trade agreement (FTA) between the two countries.

Matters related to bilateral relations, enhancement of cooperation in economic and social sectors, regional matters and issues related to Ummah came under discussion. Mr. Aziz said that Pakistan and Kuwait enjoy proximity of views on a number of issues.

The two countries have stood by each other in difficult times. The sentiments of friendship and closeness shared between the two countries need to be enhanced for economic cooperation.

He said during the last year Pakistan achieved a higher than targeted growth rate of 6.4 per cent. This year's target, he said, was 6.6 per cent and Pakistan expected to achieve a target of 8 per cent annual growth during a couple of years.

He appreciated the role played by the Pak-Kuwait Investment Company, which is being run on commercial basis and invited Kuwaiti investors to start some ventures in Pakistan.

Seeking Kuwaiti investment in Pakistan, Mr. Aziz particularly mentioned the areas which offer greater opportunities to foreign investors. These were oil and gas, telecom, real estate, construction and banking sectors.

He welcomed the signing of Economic Framework Agreement between Pakistan and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and said this would usher in a new era of cooperation between Pakistan and the Gulf States.

Dr. Mohammad Sabayh Al-Salem Al-Sabah, appreciated the contribution of Pakistan in the reconstruction and development of Kuwait and commended them for their hard work, honesty and professionalism. He said efforts will be made to recruit more Pakistanis in Kuwait. He said GCC Summit gives economic cooperation the top most priority.

Shaukat Aziz said Pakistan desires peace with all the neighbours. He expressed the hope the composite dialogue between Pakistan and India would lead to solving all outstanding issues between the two countries.

He said to ensure peace a certain balance of power needs to be maintained in the region. To maintain its sovereignty Pakistan would continue to maintain a viable defence for the country, said Shaukat Aziz.