LAHORE, Feb 19: Pakistani businessmen were invited on Thursday to open their offices in Canada to obtain maximum access to the markets in the US and Mexico.

The incentive was given by Canadian former minister for regional industrial expansion Sinclair Stevens, who is also leading a Canadian investment delegation to Pakistan these days, while speaking to the members of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry here on Thursday.

He said Pakistani companies should also enter into joint ventures with the Canadian companies to enjoy the privileges the Canada had under the SAFTA Agreement. He apprised the LCCI of other incentives given by his government to the industry.

He said Pakistan had tremendous amount of potential that could contribute to the world economy. The visiting delegation showed keen interest to invest in sectors like IT, telecommunication, high-pressure aluminium die-casting and auto parts projects as well as joint ventures for manufacturing of CNG equipment.

The delegation has created partnerships in the field of auto parts and IT sectors and is looking for many more. Earlier, LCCI president Mian Anjum Nisar invited the Canadian businessmen to invest in Lahore and Gwadar to take benefit from their strategic location that carries regional advantages.

He said Pakistan was in the process of making a place for itself in a fast-changing world economic scenario. "These changes pose threats as well as opportunities.

Canada, as an erstwhile friend, has always been of great value and support. In the changing times what is required is an understanding of the true potential of the Pakistani market," he added.

He also drew the attention of the Canadian delegation towards investment in sectors like food processing, light engineering, textile and post harvest technology.

"The Canadian firms should join hands with local food brands and identify their extended markets in the wake of future developments in the region under the umbrella of Saarc," he said.

Canada-Pakistan Business Council president Anwar Merchant, who was also accompanying the delegation, said the establishment of the SAFTA was a welcome sign and it would certainly help grow the regional economies.