QUETTA, April 27: A group of foreign companies has shown interest in investing about $8 billion in Balochistan. Balochistan Communications Minister Prince Faisal Daud said at a press conference on Tuesday that officials of the companies would visit the provincial capital on May 6 to hold discussions in this regard.

He said officials concerned would brief the investors about the efforts being made by the federal and provincial governments for attracting foreign investment in Balochistan. "I have held initial talks with these companies that contacted me and showed their interest in investing huge amounts in different sectors," the minister said.

He said officials of the foreign companies would meet the governor and chief minister of the province. He said he would make efforts to bring investment in the minerals sector and in those projects which could not be implemented due to lack of funds. He said there was potential for investment in minerals exploration in the province.

Prince Daud said that by establishing grinding plants at Bolan and other places, Balochistan could earn considerable amount through the supply of iron ore and chromite as rail, road, water, gas, transport and other required facilities were available at the sites.