ISLAMABAD, Aug 27: Prime Minister-designate, Shaukat Aziz said on Friday the sentiments of friendship and commonalities of issues shared between Pakistan and Gulf States should be translated into ventures for economic development.

He was talking to secretary general of Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC), Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al-Attiyah here on Friday. An official announcement issued on Friday said that Mr. Aziz asked Secretary General GCC to use his influence to recruit more Pakistanis in Gulf States.

Noting that Pakistan is one of the major buyers of oil from GCC States, Shaukat Aziz stressed the need of rationalizing the oil prices. He acknowledged deep relations between Pakistan and GCC States and thanked Abdul Rahman for supporting Pakistan on economic, diplomatic and political fora. Economic diplomacy takes precedence over other concerns, he added.

Shaukat Aziz briefed Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al-Attiyah of the turnaround in Pakistan's economy, wide ranging structural reforms, prudent macro-economic policies, financial discipline, high growth rate and improvement in all micro-economic indicators.

He said the government is particularly focusing on attracting foreign investment in the country. Pakistan is following an open market policy and foreign investors have been provided a level playing field. This coupled with complete transparency in transactions has resulted in enhanced level of investments.

He said foreign companies particularly UAE Companies showed keen interest in telecommunications, oil and gas, phones and banking sectors. The Secretary General, GCC appreciated the economic reforms introduced by Pakistan Government during the last five years, which he said have enhanced the confidence of investors.

He said the assurance for the consistency in Pakistan government policies has made Pakistan an attractive place for investment. He appreciated the process of dialogue between India and Pakistan and hoped it would bring peace and stability in the region.

Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al-Attiyah greatly appreciated the abilities of Pakistanis working in Gulf states and said efforts would be made to employ greater number of Pakistanis there.