DAVOS: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday met YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki on the sideline of World Economic Forum in Davos.
During the meeting, the premier stressed the need for improving image of Pakistan at the digital media.
On the other hand, addressing the Pakistan Strategy Dialogue in Davos, the premier underscored the government’s efforts to promote business in the country and pitched Pakistan as a viable investment destination for foreign firms.
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“When we assumed power, our biggest challenge was the current account deficit – shortage of dollars, our currency was falling, next was investment.” Reiterating his government’s efforts to remove hurdles in the way of investment, he said: “Pakistan was one of the top countries in the World Banks’ ease of doing business index. We still have a long way to go but this is the direction the country is headed in.”
He added that due to the efforts undertaken by the incumbent Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government, foreign investment “rose by 200pc in just one year”. Linking stability in the region with economic progress, the premier added that Islamabad and Washington were working closely for peace in Afghanistan.
“There is a chance of ceasefire in Afghanistan – very important for Pakistan because that opens up the economic corridor to central Asia.” Imran said tourism doubled in the first year of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government. “Pakistan was considered among top tourist destinations by magazines including the British Backpackers Society.”
He said the country can generate revenue, especially foreign exchange, by boosting the tourism sector. “Profitability also increased. Foreign investors have returned. The idea is to incentivise businesses and industries,” he said. The premier added the government aimed to move away from the socialist mindset that is “envious of profit-making”.
Meanwhile, Adviser to Prime Minister Imran Khan on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has said that Pakistan is heading towards economic stability.
Talking to the media in Davos, he said the economy is improving due to consistent efforts of the government. He regretted that no premier in chequered history of Pakistan could ever complete tenure.
