May 06, 2008	Tuesday	Rabi-us-Sani 29, 1429

KARACHI, May 5: President of Swiss-Asian Chamber of Commerce in Zurich Peter Zuellig and Swiss Consul General Martin Benz expressed positive views about Pakistan as an area of investment, stressing on its geo-strategic location in Asia as one of the key assets.

They expressed these views during a meeting with President of Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce & Industry Waqar Malik.

A press release issued by the OICCI here on Monday said the Swiss diplomats identified and discussed several other matters that will affect foreign investment in Pakistan, such as the overseas perception of Pakistan created by the local and international media.

They said that in the coming years their office would be looking towards encouraging more companies from Switzerland to invest in Pakistan and acting as a significant proponent of Pakistan as an emerging market for foreign investors.

Mr Malik highlighted the contribution of OICCI members to the Pakistan economy and the role of Switzerland-based companies amongst overseas investors.

There are about 15 Swiss OICCI member companies operating in Pakistan, representing a wide range of sectors, including pharmaceuticals oil, gas and energy.

Switzerland contributes approximately 4.2 per cent of FDI in Pakistan according to figures for the first nine months of the current fiscal year.

Mr Malik said that the overall business climate in Pakistan was positive for foreign investors. He, however, said Pakistan’s current law and order situation required improvement, adding that consistency in government policies and the growing domestic economy were key contributors to making the country an attractive investment destination.