ISLAMABAD: Planning, Development and Reform Minister Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar on Thursday appreciated the role of the French Development Agency (AFD), saying that France has always been an important development partner of Pakistan.
Talking to Ambassador of France Marc Barety, the minister said that Pakistan offered attractive investment opportunities and France may consider exploring these avenues for the benefit of both countries.
The French envoy was accompanied by AFD Country Director Jacky Amprou, while Planning Secretary Zafar Hasan was also present on the occasion.
The planning minister noted that France had expertise in solar energy production and may look to finance projects in this sector keeping in view the sector was still untapped in Pakistan.
The minister called for bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector as well as in the upgradation of transmission system so that power generation in the country could be increased.
Planning Secretary Zafar Hasan stated that the present government was committed to promoting clean energy production and France may consider funding projects in this regard.
The French ambassador on the occasion said that his country was financing projects in different areas including hydropower, urban management and restoration of heritage sites. Appreciating the cooperation of the Ministry of Planning, he stated that AFD was also willing to expand the scope of its activities in future.
The minister assured his ministry’s cooperation in completion of ongoing projects funded by the AFD.
