LONDON, July 22: Production and Industries Minister Liaquat Ali Khan Jatoi has urged overseas Pakistanis to utilize the incentives being offered by export processing zones (EPZs) to make investment in their country to ensure its sustained economic growth.

"I want your support, come and invest in Pakistan" for making it economically viable and developed, he said while speaking at the "EPZA UK Connect Roadshow" here late Wednesday. It was organized by the EPZA and was supported by the UK-Pakistan Overseas Chambers of Commerce and Industry. Such roadshows will also be held in Glasgow and Birmingham.

Mr Jatoi told the overseas Pakistanis that their investment would be well-protected and they could transfer any amount of foreign exchange from Pakistan without any inhibition. The import of machinery for setting industry in the EPZs was duty-free and they would not be quizzed about the source of their money.

He said a decision would be taken shortly under which the government would be fighting legal cases on behalf of the foreign investors without any charge as it was determined to bring more foreign investment.

There are seven notified EPZs while more are in the pipe line. The cost of land and rate of power have been slashed in these zones, he said.

Mr Jatoi said the first phase of the Gwadar Port would be operational by 2005, hence it would enable the investors in the country to export their goods to the Gulf, central Asian states and Afghanistan.-APP