August 08, 2007	Wednesday	Rajab 23, 1428

ISLAMABAD, Aug 7: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said on Tuesday that the consistent and transparent policies had established the economy on solid foundation, which attracted substantial investment.

He stated this while talking to the delegation headed by Chairman of Merrill Lynch International Inc. Kevin Watts.

An official announcement said the record investment of $8.4 billion clearly indicated the trust of the investors in policies initiated by the present government.

He said that now Pakistan stood on a solid footing and had strong fundamentals as well as substantive structural reforms to attract more investment in days to come. He, however, emphasised the need for continuity and consistency of policies to further boost the economic activities in the country. Several sectors represent attractive investment opportunities, including telecom, IT, financial services, engineering, agribusiness and real estate, he added.

Mr. Kevin Watts appreciated the government's policies regarding the protection of investment in different sectors. Merrill Lynch has worked with the government on promoting investments, privatisation and share issues for Pakistan in global markets. — Our Reporter