KARACHI, Sept 17: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has asked bankers to gear up their efforts to attract and facilitate investors for fast industrialization to create more jobs and enhance exports.

Talking to a delegation of city's prominent bankers led by State Bank Governor Dr Ishrat Hussain at Governor House here on Thursday, the prime minister said financial sector reforms had improved the banking sector in Pakistan and it was now a fast rising sector among developing countries.

The fast growing banking sector, he pointed out, had also beefed up the economy to grow further. "Now better loan facilities are available for industry, business, housing and real estate. Commercial banks in Pakistan are now extending credit facility to the agriculture sector, which will help promote this sector," the prime minister said.

Shaukat Aziz said with the provision of credit facility to the construction sector and industries more job opportunities had been created. He said a vibrant and strong banking system played an important role in the country's development.

He asked the bankers to extend credit facility liberally to agriculture, SMEs and industrial sectors so that these sectors could grow at a faster pace. The prime minister said consumer financing had not only facilitated the common man, but helped in growth of the industrial sector as well. "The provision of loans for cars, motorcycles and other consumer goods has strengthened the economy."

Mr Aziz said the bankers should be proactive in attracting the investors so that people in remote areas could set up small-scale industries and improve their agricultural output.

The bankers assured the prime minister of their cooperation and stated that the banking sector would play effective role in the promotion of industry and agriculture. -APP