ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk on Tuesday directed the Board of Investment (BoI) to remove bottlenecks for ensuring smooth and steady growth of investments in the country.

Taking a briefing from senior BoI officials on the current status of investments in the country, the prime minister emphasised the need for strengthening coordination amongst federal and provincial governments, ministries, foreign missions and other stakeholders so as to extend maximum facilitation to the business community.

BOI Secretary Muhammad Jehanzeb Khan briefed the prime minster about the role of the organisation in the promotion of local and foreign investment in the country, facilitation of business community, improvement of legislative, regulatory and policy framework to attract investments, and facilitating businesses to flourish.

The meeting was informed that the BoI is also working to improve ease of doing business and serving as a lead agency for furthering industrial cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects. The meeting reviewed the progress on establishment of Special Economic Zones under CPEC.

Mr Khan stressed that efforts were afoot to address some issues that hampered steady growth of investment in the past and to restore confidence of the business community.

The BoI secretary further briefed the prime minister about the steps taken for improvement of ease of doing business in the country.

The prime minister appreciated BoI’s efforts towards facilitating businesses and attracting investments in various sectors of economy.

Finance Minister Dr Shamshad Akhtar, Secretary Finance Arif Ahmed Khan, FBR Chairperson Rukhsana Yasmin and other officials attended the briefing.

Published in Dawn, July 25th, 2018