ISLAMABAD: A delegation of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) led by Deputy Chairman of the Enterprise Rt Hon Sir Hugo Swire called on Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh at the Finance Division on Thursday.
Head of delegation Swire briefed the Adviser that the CWEIC had a mandate to facilitate trade and investment through 53 member nations of the Commonwealth.
He said every two years, the council hosts the Commonwealth Business Forum in association with the host country of CHOGM (Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings).
“This year the Commonwealth Business Forum 2020 is going to be held in Rwanda and the council wishes to invite Prime Minister Imran Khan along with the business delegation to the forum,” the deputy chairman added.
“As far as the CWEIC’s working is concerned, it highlights the key opportunities in the member countries and arrange small forums around the world to provide access to new markets.”
Swire praised the efforts made by Pakistan to improve its rating on ease-of-doing-business (EODB) index and acknowledged the macro-economic stability Pakistan has gradually achieved.
Shaikh informed the delegation that Pakistan is making serious efforts to improve its business environment for foreign investors and it is in search of finding new markets for its exports for which the commonwealth countries can become excellent destinations.
He specially mentioned the steps taken by the government for simplification of procedures that can reduce the administrative burden on investors, if they come here with their resources and expertise.
In this context, joint efforts can be made to provide opportunities to Pakistan’s local businessmen, the Adviser added.
He appreciated the idea of creating a “business hub” and forming coalition among various hubs that can benefit all partners.
The Adviser assured the delegation of his support in their endeavors for forming business alliances and sharing useful experiences among the business groups for prosperity and development of the member states.
