ISLAMABAD: Pakistan High Commissioner to Singapore, Syed Hasan Javed invites the Singapore investors to invest in Pakistan, saying that Pakistan needs an investment of US$150 billion by 2020 in its various sectors such as real estate and construction, energy, logistics and infrastructure, as well as hotel and tourism facilities.

Addressing a conference on Financing and Securing of Overseas Projects organised by the Building Control Authority of Singapore in Islamabad on Monday, he said that tremendous opportunities exist for foreign investors in upcoming developments such as high rise and skyscrapers projects, information and technology parks, mass-transit projects, hotel and tourism facilities, hydropower projects, solar and wind energy projects, cold storages, clean water reservoirs and dazzle jewellery park.

Javed stated that Pakistan will be able to mobilize one-third of the needed investment through its own resources. An equal amount is being offered by investment companies from China, Turkey, Gulf States, Korea and Japan, after which Pakistan will seek assistance from the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Bilateral Donors and Commercial Institutions for the remaining funds.

Singapore investors are welcome to harness the potential projects, with the most promising rate of return, Mr Javed said, adding that Pakistan has been identified as among the next 11 rising emerging economies. The country allows full repatriation of equity, dividend and profit and foreign investment is fully protected under the Constitution.

He also mentioned Pakistan has already attracted investment from 100 new Multinational companies over the past five years, while the number keeps growing given the potential of the economy.

The conference was attended by major multinational building and construction companies' representatives from the Asian region.