September 13, 2006	Wednesday	Sha'aban 19, 1427

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LAHORE, Sept 12: Canada-Pakistan Business Council president Anwar Andy Merchant has said that a number of big Canadian business were planning to launch joint ventures in Pakistan.

He told Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Mian Shafqat Ali and vice-president Aftab Vohra and Pakistan Trade Commissioner in Canada Ahsanul Haq during the visit of the 11-member council delegation to the LCCI here on Tuesday that the businessmen of his country were eager to invest in Pakistan because they were impressed by the economic reforms of the government.

He urged the LCCI president to organise a trade delegation of top Pakistan entrepreneurs and visit Canada for having first-hand knowledge of business atmosphere. Bilateral trade and investment could also be promoted by holding trade exhibitions. Steps were also necessary for improving the image of Pakistan.

Mian Shafqat said Canada and Pakistan had always enjoyed cordial relations. Canada was among the countries which had helped Pakistan in its efforts for sustainable economic growth. The Canadian International Development Agency was Pakistan’s active partner in development. Canadian Official Development Assistance had also helped the government to reduce poverty in the country.

He said lack of information about the business and investment opportunities was the main hindrance in strengthening of Pakistan-Canada economic relations.