ISLAMABAD, June 22: Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said on Tuesday his country was keen to increase trade with Pakistan. Talking to Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, who called on him in Islamabad , the Singaporean premier said all efforts would be made to enhance the level of cooperation between the two countries, according to an official statement.

It said matters relating to enhancing cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and investment were discussed in the meeting. Matters related to the signing of a Free Trade Agreement between Pakistan and Singapore and resumption of the Singapore Airlines flights to Pakistan also came under discussion, the statement said.

Mr Shaukat Aziz highlighted the need for more investment from Singapore into Pakistan, particularly in the fields of telecommunications, real estate, tourism and manufacturing, and said Pakistan offered a level-playing field to all investors and welcomed Singapore investors.

The Finance Minister apprised the Singapore prime minister about the results of economic reforms initiated by the Pakistani government which he said had resulted in 6.4 per cent increase in real GDP growth, 12 per cent in per capita income, 13.4 per cent in manufacturing and 17.1 in large scale manufacturing in 2003-04.

He said the success of economic reforms and efficient economic management of the government had increased investor confidence which, he added, was evident by the interest shown by foreign investors, particularly in cellular phone, financial and real estate business sectors.

The minister said the confidence of investors had resulted in 18 per cent increase in private sector investment while private sector investment in large-scale manufacturing and construction grew by 40 per cent each.

Mr Aziz said Pakistan's economy had opened up and Pakistan provided a level-playing field to foreign investors. He said Pakistan's geo-strategic location, which linked landlocked Central Asian states to the world, and physical linkage with the Middle East increased the country's potential to become a hub of trade activities.

During a meeting with the Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar Khan the Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, expressed his keenness to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) with Pakistan.

According to a press release issued here, both sides emphasized on the efforts for concrete measures to ensure greater trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

They also agreed on the vital importance of exploring economic and commercial opportunities, which the business communities of the two countries utilize to their mutual benefit.

Humayun Akhtar briefed Mr Tong about economic liberalization of the country. He said that Pakistan had a totally transparent trade regime and was, therefore, a great attraction for investors.