Security Exchange Commission of Pakistan Chairman Zafar Hijazi on Friday instructed the SECP team to prepare a comprehensive plan in the shortest possible time for the promotion of investment activities in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He was talking to a delegation from Karakoram Cooperative Bank Limited (KCBL), headed by Iqbal Hassan, who is also the Minister for Planning and Development in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), according to a statement issued here by the commission. The delegation visited the SECP Head Office and other board members of the bank, Muhammad Shafa, Haji Muhammad Iqbal, Muhammad Sadiq and Muhammad Amin accompanied Hassan.
The SECP chairman highlighted the significance of Gilgit-Baltistan and how its economic progress could play a vital role for CPEC. He reiterated his commitment to facilitate the local business community as well other entities that aspired to operate in GB to encourage business activities in the region.
Appreciating the chairman’s views, Hasan said that while Gwadar was the last destination of the CPEC route, GB was the first. He gave a brief overview of the KCBL, which was in the process of forming a microfinance bank with the style of GB Microfinance Bank.
The delegation showed keen interest in mutual funds, investments opportunities in capital markets and leasing business. He also thanked the chairman for comprehensive presentations and sought his help and support in imparting further knowledge in the areas of mutual funds and leasing business.
He also sought the SECP’s support in expanding capital market outreach to the GB. The SECP chairman suggested the minister to hold investors’ conference in GB. Investors as well as professionals from various fields should attend this conference to deliberate on how GB could attract investments. The chairman assured the delegation of his full support to GB and the delegation thanked the SECP hospitality.
