ISLAMABAD, Sept 22: Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz has urged Overseas Pakistanis to actively invest in Pakistan.

According to a message received here Mr. Aziz was speaking at a large gathering of the Pakistani community in Dubai. He said that overseas Pakistanis were an asset for the country and their remittances through banking channels had helped Pakistan achieve self-reliance and economic sovereignty.

He said Pakistan was on a path of economic reform and improvement and “we are no longer vulnerable to balance of payment pressures.”

The finance minister urged the community to invest in Pakistan, serve as ambassadors for Pakistan and attract more Pakistanis for jobs in UAE. Pakistanis who are already working in UAE can be the best conduits for attracting more Pakistanis to work in the UAE.

He also stated that Pakistan has a bright future and overseas Pakistanis were important stakeholders in building a stronger Pakistan by sending remittances via banks, undertaking investments and projecting the country‘s image in their host country.

The community raised some demands of better visa and customs facilities and the minister assured them his full support in solving problems of overseas Pakistanis. The community meeting was hosted by the Pakistan Association and was attended by Pakistan‘s consul general Amanullah Larik and community members for Dubai and neighbouring emirates.

APP adds: Addressing an investment conference, organized by Euromoney, on “Pakistan: Investment Destination”the finance minister said Pakistan represents attractive investment destination due to consistency and continuity of policies and improvement in macroeconomic situation, structural reforms and improved governance.

The minister stated several key sectors, like agro-based industry, telecommunications, information technology, textiles, engineering, housing and real estate development represent attractive potential.