LAHORE: The international community is acknowledging Pakistan as a great country with a bright future, and the grim picture being portrayed by some elements has nothing to do with the on-ground reality.
This was stated by Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Senior Vice President Ali Hussam Asghar while talking to an Italian delegation, comprising Italy’s Centre for International Studies Director Gabriele Lacovino and Senior Analyst Fancesca Manenti, on Saturday.
Ali Hussam Asghar said Pakistan was a peace-loving nation with immense economic potential. “The country is ready to accommodate multinational companies and international investors, besides ensuring unmatched business facilitation to them,” he added.
The delegation was informed that Pakistan had recently jumped up 28 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business (EODB) Index to reach 108th place, and has also secured a place among the top 10 countries with the most improved business climate.
“It is an ample proof that Pakistan is on the right track. The LCCI aims to bring EODB rating of Pakistan in top 50 countries in next few years,” the SVP vowed.
He noted that within the European Union, Italy had always been very supportive to Pakistan, particularly in trade-related matters.
“Italy is Pakistan’s third-biggest market in Europe and bilateral trade is likely to touch new heights in the near future. Therefore, Pakistan attaches the highest importance to its relations with Italy in various fields,” he remarked.
The top LCCI official invited the Italian delegation to invest in agro-based industries, construction, mining, textiles, IT & telecom and tourism sectors.
“It is high time the Italians make investments in Pakistan, as the country is fast becoming the hub of economic activity in the region,” he said, asserting that there was a vast scope of investment in the dairy sector of Pakistan which Italy could capitalise as it possessed all the expertise in this regard.
Ali Hussam said that all the projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) not only promise a healthy economic growth rate but also ensure a bright future of the country.
“The Italian business community can take advantage of these developments,” he concluded.
