FAISALABAD, April 15: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Friday said that the business friendly policies of the government had brought substantial foreign investment in the industrial sector, ushering in a new era of progress and economic stability. “Rapid industrialization will not only help generate more jobs but also increase the exports of the country,” he said while speaking at the foundation-laying ceremony of PVC manufacturing plant of Sitara Group of Industries, some 32-km from here.

The prime minister said that the economy was improving and the country was all poised to attain a growth rate of more than seven per cent this year.

“Hopefully, Pakistan will become a member of top 10 fast growing economies of Asia this year. In coming yours, it may join the club of five fastest growing economies,” he said.

Referring to recent investment of Rs30 billion in Chakwal district, the prime minister said that the inflow of foreign investment was due to the pragmatic policies and reforms introduced over the last five years under the dynamic leadership of President Pervez Musharraf.

He said the country had a bumper cotton crop and matching harvest of wheat crop was also expected this year.

He said that the rural economy would get extra Rs30 to Rs40 billion as a result of the bumper crops.

He said that the government was committed to promoting good governance and tackle the twin monster of poverty and unemployment by ensuring economic stability.—APP