ON BOARD PM SPECIAL AIRCRAFT, Dec 7: Commerce Minister Humayun Akhtar has said that the visit of Prime Minister Mir Zafarullah Khan Jamali will help attract foreign investment and explore possibility of joint-ventures.

Talking to newsmen on way to Paris on Sunday, the minister said that the prime minister would have an important interaction with the French businessmen and entrepreneurs on the prospects of investment in Pakistan.

He would highlight the country’s investment friendly climate that offered equal opportunities to local and foreign investors.

Mr Jamali, he said, would also meet World Trade Organization (WTO) chief Dr Sidachai Pamotcchpadi in Geneva to discuss issues that were reviewed at the Doha round of talks and Cancun.

The commerce minister also stated that the discussions were being held with European Union on issue of anti-dumping laws and the two sides were moving towards a negotiated settlement.

The Minister for Information Technology and Communication, Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari, said that the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has appreciated Pakistan’s role and contribution in holding an important world summit on the information society.

He said Mr Jamali’s participation in the summit showed Pakistan’s seriousness to promote IT in the country.

Mr Leghari said Pakistan also participated in the preparation meeting to hold the summit.

Mr Jamali will arrive in Geneva on Dec 9 to attend the summit. He is scheduled to speak at the summit on Dec 10.

During stay in Geneva, the prime minister would hold bilateral meetings with Iran’s President Mohammad Khatami and President Pascal Couchepin of the Swiss Confederation.—APP