ISLAMABAD, April 17: Chairman Senate Mohammadmian Soomro has underscored the need for joint ventures between Pakistan and Oman specially in the fields of petro-chemicals, heavy industry, manufacturing and tourism for the mutual benefit of both countries.

He was talking to a 10-member business delegation from Oman headed by Salem Saeed Essa Al-Ghattami, chairman Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The delegation is on a four-day visit to Pakistan. Ambassador of Oman to Pakistan Mohammad Saeed Bin Mohammad Al-Lawati were also present on the occasion.

According to a press release, Mr Soomro said Pakistan had emerged as a haven for investors, owing to its conducive and business friendly policies and far reaching reforms introduced in every sector of the economy.

It was high time, he said to take advantage of the extremely conducive climate of investment prevailing in Pakistan.

He said the banking sector was very robust in Pakistan and the availability of inexpensive but hard working labour and the country’s strategic location had made the country an ideal choice for investors.

The commissioning of Gwadar port had introduced a whole new dimension to the existing encouraging scenario and the country is all set to emerge as a regional hub of manufacturing.

He outlined hotel industry, real estate, fertilisers, pharmaceutical, oil and gas along with power generation as being the potential areas for investment in Pakistan.

Mr Soomro also suggested that women entrepreneurs of both countries should get closer and share their experiences and expertise to their mutual advantage.