May 19, 2008	Monday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 13, 1429

SHARM-EL-SHEIKH, May 18: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani assured the international business community on Sunday that there would be no change in Pakistan’s economic policies.

“There will be no paradigm shift in our economic policies, which will continue uninterrupted,” he said in a speech at a special session of the World Economic Forum on the Middle East — “Global Leader in the Spotlight”.

He urged the international community to support his newly elected government. “After its transition to democracy, Pakistan is ready for business. My people are awaiting dividends of democracy and we can deliver them with the help of friends abroad.”

He said his government viewed the economy and the fight against terrorism as priority areas. Prime Minister Gilani said the government would make fundamental changes in the agriculture sector, which was the backbone of economy, in order to overcome food shortages.

He said he would be unveiling a new energy policy which would be aimed at overcoming electricity shortage. He urged businessmen from the Middle East to invest in Pakistan’s energy sector.

Mr Gilani said the European Union and Nato had emerged as major partners of Pakistan in the field of development and security. While Pakistan provided critical support to Nato in Afghanistan and was working to counter terrorism, “we seek greater support from the European Union for our economic development”.

He said Pakistan’s relations with the United States had matured into a long-term and broad-based strategic partnership which covered collaboration in political, security, defence, economic, commercial and technical spheres. “This relationship is critical for stability in our region and international peace and security.” He said Pakistan was keen to intensify its relations with the US by seeking greater access to markets and technology.

Referring to his government’s 100-day programme, he said: “Despite enormity of the challenges before us, Pakistan has the capability to press ahead to achieve the goal of peace and prosperity. Pakistan has a strategic location and is fast emerging as a bridge for cooperation among countries of the region, especially in energy, trade, transportation and tourism.”