QUETTA: Chief Minister Balochistan Dr Malik Baloch assured all out support and protection to national and international investors in Balochistan during an international investment conference in the province on Friday.

The provincial government organised the conference at a local hotel to attract national and international investors to invest in Balochistan. Investors from China, Korea and different parts of Pakistan participated in the conference.

"More than 20 investors participated in the conference," Qaisar Bengali, Advisor to the CM Balochistan on economic issues, told reporters.

Also addressing the conference, Commander Southern Command Lieutenant General Nasir Khan Janjua said "Pakistan's economic future is linked with Balochistan and its rich natural resources can improve the country's economy".

Read: Peaceful Balochistan can attract investment

He further said that the law and order situation in the province had improved and that investors could invest in Balochistan since the atmosphere was now better.

Economic experts from different organisations presented their papers and apprised the investors about the potential for investment in Balochistan, the country's largest province in terms of area but also one that remains the least developed.

"Balochistan has tremendous potential for investment," Dr Malik Baloch told the conference, adding that only massive investment could end illiteracy, poverty and unemployment in the province.

Also read: Development of Balochistan is close to my heart: PM Nawaz

The speakers dispelled the impression of a worsening law and order situation and urged investors to come forward and invest in the province and explore its mineral resources.

"Quetta is far safer than Karachi," Dr Bengali said.

However, Provincial Minister for Planning and Development Dr Hamid Achakzai stated that restoration of peace and eradication of corruption were still major challenges for the government.

"We have improved governance and that is why investors are now coming here," Achakzai said.