ON BOARD PM’S SPECIAL PLANE, Aug 13: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Saturday that all resources would be made available to maintain a minimum credible deterrence.

He was talking to journalists while flying over Indian airspace near New Delhi on his return from a week-long visit to Japan and Hong Kong. “The test-fire of the cruise missile is not part of any arms race, but to maintain minimum credible deterrence all required resources will be made available,” he said.

The prime minister said Pakistan would not match India in allocating resources for arms race, but there would be no reduction in funds to maintain credible defence.

About his visit, Mr Aziz said it was extremely successful. He said he discussed international and regional issues, economic and political reforms, and investment and trade matters.

He said Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announced restoration of official development assistance (ODA) for Pakistan and two agreements were signed. Export credit and guarantee would be revived for investment, he said, adding that retired Japanese technicians would visit Pakistan to train people and transfer experience.

He said Japanese investors would enhance investments in engineering, agriculture, petrochemical, chemical, a mega coastal oil refinery and a liquefied natural gas terminal in Karachi.

Mr Aziz said he held discussions with opposition parties in Japan besides media interviews and meetings with think-tanks and civil society to create a better image of Pakistan and Islam.

The prime minister said in Hong Kong he spoke to various sections of the society, the Hong Kong chief executive, businessmen, traders, intellectuals and media interviews to promote Pakistan as an investor friendly state.

He said Cathay Pacific would soon start its passenger and cargo flights to Pakistan.

Mr Aziz said it was time to attract foreign investors owing to Pakistan’s economic performance, improving indicators and government facilitation.

Responding to the proposed Euro Bond, the prime minister said Pakistan would select a leading international financial institution by the year’s end and then the strategy and road shows would be held next year.