March 27, 2007	Tuesday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 7, 1428

ISLAMABAD, March 26: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Monday the government would ensure continuity of policies to maintain the momentum of economic growth in the upcoming years.

He stated this while talking to a delegation of Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) led by its president Tanvir Ahmad Sheikh. The meeting was attended among others by Minister for Commerce Humayun Akhtar Khan, Minister for Law and Justice Muhammad Wasi Zafar and senior officials.

An official announcement said the consistency and continuity of the development-oriented policies of the government had changed the economic landscape of the country.

The prime minister said the 7.5 per cent average economic growth achieved during the last three years had positioned Pakistan among the fastest growing economies of Asia and provided a solid foundation for continued growth and prosperity of the people.

He said the middle class was growing and demand was increasing both in urban and rural areas coupled with the investment-friendly policies had increased the scope and potential for investments. He said this year higher than targeted growth was expected as all economic indicators were robust.

Mr Aziz said the government was making efforts to build Pakistan brand and increase competitiveness and productivity of local products. He added the government was taking every step to facilitate the private sector to grow.