LAHORE: Pakistan is one of the best countries around the globe and picture being portrayed about this great country has nothing to do reality. Pakistan has a shining future and is a best destination for doing business.
These views were expressed by Massimiliano Pasqualini from Italy while speaking at the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry. The LCCI Acting President Khawaja Shahzad Nasir, Vice President Fahim-ur-Rehman Sehgal and former Executive Committee Member Chaudhry Khadim Hussain also spoke on the occasion.
“No truth behind the negative propaganda by the international media as I have found Pakistan a great country with immense economic potential and Pakistani nation is peace loving”, Massimiliano Pasqualini added.
He said that businessmen of the both countries should hold sector-wise study to evolve a comprehensive joint strategy to enhance volume of trade between the two brotherly countries.
He said that Pakistan is the most important country of Asia and its private sector has the ability to do a lot at economic front. They must have strongest liaison with their Italian counterparts to extract huge benefits from Italian expertise.
He said that businessmen of Italy see Pakistan as an emerging market and are keen to make investment & joint ventures in various economic sectors.
He said that there is a huge business potential in the two countries that should be tapped. He said that there is a vast scope for joint ventures in energy, pharmaceutical, agro infrastructure, automobile, textile and marble sectors.
The LCCI Acting President Khawaja Shahzad Nasir said that Italy had been very supportive to Pakistan within the EU with special reference to trade-related issues. Italy is Pakistan’s third biggest market in Europe and bilateral trade is likely to touch new heights in near future.
He said Pakistan attaches the highest importance to its relations with Italy in various fields. He said that the climate for foreign investors in Pakistan is so conducive that they could now have 100 per cent equity and there are no restrictions on remitting dividend, profits, fee etc.
“The Italian investors can invest in agro-based industries, construction, mining, textiles and tourism sectors, where Pakistan could contribute and find complimentary areas in design and fashion. Other sectors included IT and telecommunication”, the LCCI Acting President said.
The LCCI Vice President Fahim-ur-Rehman Sehgal said that Italian businessmen can take advantage from the investment-friendly climate of Pakistan that offered best return on the foreign investment with economic policies providing for legal protection to foreign investment. Despite ups and down and other problems, not a single foreign investor has suffered in Pakistan. He said that it is high time for the Italian investors to come to Pakistan and make investments as the country is fast becoming hub of economic activity in the region. He said that there is vast scope in the field of dairy products in which Italy enjoys expertise and hence both the countries can make huge profits.
Chaudhry Khadim Hussain said that Italy is an important trading partner of Pakistan in Europe which simultaneously comes at 4th place among the top importing and exporting destinations for Pakistan in European Union. He said that it is encouraging to see that volume of bilateral trade is being maintained over one billion dollar. He said that Pakistan wish to maintain this favorable trend and also enhance the volume of two way trade with the help and cooperation of individuals like you.
