ISLAMABAD, Aug 5: President General Pervez Musharraf has said that a business-friendly environment has been created to make Pakistan a regional hub of economic activity.

He said this while talking to participants of a National Security Workshop, who called on him at the Aiwan-i-Sadr.

The president referred to a number of steps, including the development of infrastructure, economic reforms and initiation of mega projects like the development of Gwadar port, saying that Pakistan was poised to become a centre for trade between Central Asia, the Gulf and South Asia.

President Musharraf, while referring to the positive economic indicators, said Pakistan offered vast opportunities for investment in a variety of fields, adding that it had abundant and efficient manpower and natural resources.

Terming the location of Gwadar port ideal, he said that it could serve as a gateway for trade between the Gulf and land- locked Central Asian republics through Afghanistan.

Pakistan, he said, had taken several steps to ensure law and order for maintaining a conducive environment for foreign investment.

He stated that political stability and continuity of policies would help realize the economic potential of the country.

President Musharraf said that a strong economy was vital for strengthening the national security.

He listened to the views of the participants of the workshop that included parliamentarians, local government representatives, journalists, envoys and government functionaries.

The president said Pakistan was capable of safeguarding its national interests.—APP