ISLAMABAD: Director of Coca Cola’s Group Corporate Affairs and Chairman, Pak-Turk Business Council called on the Finance Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar here on Tuesday.
He apprised the Minister about the current profile of Coca Cola Company’s current investment portfolio in Pakistan. He said that the company already has US $ 450 million investment in Pakistan while another US $ 300 investment was in the pipeline. He added that Coca Cola had directly employed over 5000 people but indirectly generated job opportunities for about 70,000 people. He also mentioned that the company had a significant contribution in terms of payment of taxes.
The Finance Minister appreciated the Company’s economic contribution in terms of investment and employment generation. He also welcomed its future investment plans and said the present government offered a liberal investment regime for prospective foreign investors and concerns. The government firmly believed that foreign direct investment was the key to overall economic development, he remarked. He added that the government duly recognized the role of beverages industry in terms of revenue generation for the country and would extend all possible support for its promotion and growth. He also sought suggestions for further growth of the beverage industry while safeguarding government revenue at the same time.
The Minister also on this occasion shared with Mr. Attila Demir his views on the ever growing Pak-Turk cooperation in various spheres. He expressed the desire for enhanced interaction between businessmen of both the countries to strengthen their economic and trade relations.
