Daily Times

ISLAMABAD: President Mamnoon Hussain Tuesday expressed hope that the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) would invest in various sectors of Pakistan, particularly energy, infrastructure and agriculture.

Talking to Sheikh Falah Bin Jassim Bin Jabbor Al Thani, brother of ex-prime minister of Qatar, who called on him along with a delegation at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, he said Pakistan was an investment-friendly country offering lucrative incentives to foreign entrepreneurs.

The president highlighted that Pakistan has a liberal foreign exchange regime and there was no limit on the inflow or outflow of funds for business transactions. He said Pakistan provides high returns on capital and cheap labour was available in abundance.

The President emphasized that Pakistan desires to promote, strengthen and diversify its relations with Qatar in all fields of bilateral cooperation. He said bilateral ties with Qatar were marked by brotherhood and a high degree of mutual trust and were rooted in shared faith, ideology and common interests.

The president stressed the need for unity of Muslims to surmount the challenges being faced by them. The president noted that Pakistani diaspora in Qatar was a strong bridge between the two countries and said Pakistan was looking for expansion in its designated quota for Pakistani skilled and unskilled manpower for 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The president wished the delegation a fruitful and enjoyable stay in Pakistan.

Meanwhile, President Mamnoon Hussain called for more efforts for early conclusion of Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Talking to Ambassador-designate of Pakistan to Kingdom of Bahrain Javed Malik at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, he said Pakistan attaches great significance to its relations with the Gulf region.

He stressed more efforts for further strengthening Pakistan’s relations with other countries in the region. The president emphasised the need to explore new vistas and avenues to further enhance bilateral trade for mutual benefit of two countries.

He said Pakistan and Bahrain enjoy close and fraternal ties, which were rooted in common faith, culture and history. The president said Pakistan wishes to enhance ties with Bahrain in all fields of mutual interest including defence.

The president advised the ambassador-designate to maintain close liaison with the Pakistani community in Bahrain and redress their grievances, if any. The president congratulated Javed Malik on his appointment as the ambassador to Bahrain and hoped that his appointment will further strengthen Pakistan’s relations with Bahrain.