20 February 2005	Sunday	10 Muharram 1426

JEDDAH, Feb 19: Saudi Finance Minister Dr Ibrahim al Asaf called on Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz here on Saturday and discussed various issues relating to Pakistan-Saudi investment and promotion of trade and commerce relations.

The performance of Saudi Pak Investment Company was also discussed and the Saudi Finance Minister expressed satisfaction on its performance. The progress on the joint commission between the two countries was also discussed and reviewed its performance. They expressed the desire to further promote activities of the commission.

The PM also discussed the role of Islamic Development Bank with the Saudi Finance Minister and suggested that its role should be made more proactive for the development of Islamic countries.

Shaukat Aziz emphasised the need to further promote contacts in the private sector and assured Ibrahim that Pakistan would provide all possible incentives and cooperation to the Saudi businessmen.

He said Pakistan's economy was growing at the rate of about seven percent and offered great opportunities for foreign investment. Shaukat Aziz said there is no restriction on equity and the country offered free inflow and outflow of remittances. -APP