ISLAMABAD: A delegation of True North, a US-based investment company, has expressed its keen interest to invest in the tourism sector of Gilgit-Baltistan.
A detailed briefing in this connection was held in Islamabad on Thursday. Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs Ali Amin Khan Gandapur chaired the briefing session where Special Assistant to Prime Minister Iftikhar Durrani and Gilgit-Baltistan Governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon were also present.
The GB tourism secretary on the occasion gave a detailed briefing regarding the tourism potential of the province. He highlighted the diverse natural features, biodiversity, adventure sports and culture of GB.
The delegation was also informed regarding the data of tourists visiting the area and investment opportunities in this regard.
Gilgit-Baltistan and Kashmir Affairs Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur welcomed the delegation and said that there were tremendous opportunities for the foreign investors in tourism sector of GB.
He said that the investment environment in the province was conducive, as GB was a “tax-free zone as well as a gateway to China”.
He said the region gained immense importance due to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), under which a special economic and industrial zone was also being set up in GB.
Underlining the importance of communication and access roads of the area, the minister said that Skardu-Gilgit Road was being upgraded, while the government was also making progress on the construction of Gilgit-Chitral Road.
“Moreover, the government also plans to upgrade Skardu Airport in the next financial budget so that it could be used for international flights.”
Gandapur assured the delegation of all possible facilities, saying that the government would go an extra mile in facilitating the foreign investors. He hoped that the investors would benefit from the opportunities available in the area.
The delegation members expressed satisfaction on the investment opportunities in GB, saying that they were particularly impressed by the natural and cultural diversification of the area.
They said that they would love to work in Pakistan as the country carried a huge potential and future, especially in the tourism sector.
The minister once again assured of his cooperation and said that the proposed investment would not only help develop the tourism sector of Pakistan but would also provide employment opportunities to the people of GB.
