December 22, 2006	Friday	Ziqa’ad 30, 1427

ISLAMABAD, Dec 21: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Thursday that the government is encouraging domestic and foreign investments in all sectors of the economy to further expedite growth and generate more economic activity in the country.

He was talking to the CEO of ICI Waqar A Malik who called on him here.

The prime minister said the sharp upsurge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) witnessed in the country was due to successful structural reforms, high growth and micro-economic stability achieved by the country.

The ICI CEO said that ICI had declared Pakistan a manufacturing and export hub for the region because of business-friendly policies of the government and expansion in demand resulting from better living standards.

He said that the ICI was expanding its businesses in various fields and had enhanced its production of paints and soda ash. It was also serving the agriculture sector by supplying better seeds.

He said that the ICI had 2000 employees in Pakistan and it was one of the anchor investors in the chemical business in Pakistan.

The prime minister appreciated the ICI for expanding their operations in Pakistan and said it would improve their productivity and competitiveness and would lead to more exports from Pakistan.

The prime minister said consistency and continuity of policies have given confidence to the private sector to plan for the future, which has contributed to fast growth and development of the country.

He said acting in line with the requirements of the free market economy, the government was facilitating the private sector to play a proactive role while it is providing the necessary regulatory framework and an enabling environment for the business community.

The meeting was also attended by Minister for Industries and Production, Jehangir Khan Tareen and senior officials.—APP