September 17, 2006	Sunday	Sha'aban 23, 1427

ISLAMABAD, Sept 16: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has emphasised the need for greater inter-provincial coordination at minister level to expedite the implementation process of local and foreign-funded projects.

Chairing a meeting to review prospects and fast-track of investment in the country, the premier said processes should be simple and seamless to facilitate investments contributing to more economic activity, jobs creation and enhancing the productive capacity of the country.

An official announcement on Saturday said the meeting identified power, cement, construction, agribusiness, livestock, real estate and hotel business, IT & Telecom as the potential areas where extensive opportunities exist for local and foreign investors.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan was fast becoming a destination of choice for investors and investments were coming in from all parts of the world as a result of the macroeconomic stability, consistency and continuity of the government policies and transparency of procedures.

Minister of State for Board of Investment Umar Ahmad Ghumman updated the meeting about various initiatives taken by the board to attract investors.