February 7, 2006	Tuesday	Muharram 8, 1427

IN the Dawn advertisement supplement on foreign investment in Pakistan (part two) which came out on January 31 the message of Vice-Admiral Asad Qureshi, Chairman, Port Qasim Authority, given to the Board of Investment on the occasion of a seminar organized by the board was published instead of the one sent to Dawn due to a technical mix-up. The message for Dawn reads:

“I congratulate Dawn for bringing out a special report on foreign investment in Pakistan. Foreign investment has over the years greatly helped not only in setting up industrial complexes providing employment opportunities but also in creating an environment conducive to industrialization, besides increasing the per capita income of the masses.

“Ports being an interface between land and sea are the frontliners to attract investment and act as catalyst in changing and improving the socio-economic profile of the communities and countries. As the first industrial and commercial port of Pakistan, Port Qaism combines functions of an international seaport and a venue for investment on 12,000 acres of land with close proximity to water fronts and, thus, plays an important role in the economic development of the country. We at Port Qasim strive to provide time-effective port facilities to customers and stakeholders facilitating industrialization and make tangible contribution to economic development of Pakistan. Today, the port caters for more than 40pc of the shipping requirements of the economy.

“The special report shall be instrumental in inducing investment and providing necessary feedback to potential investors in areas of industries, engineering, infrastructure, housing and manufacturing. I believe that the supplement will significantly contribute in achieving its objectives and inducing foreign investment.”