News Desk
The Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that the way forward for the sub-continent is to resolve differences and improve trade relationship. He emphasized on improving trade links among the countries of the sub-continent to bring people out of poverty.
According to media reports, the Prime Minister has expressed these views while addressing the first Pakistan-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Conference in Colombo on Wednesday. He said our difference is only Kashmir issue, which should be resolved as per the UN resolutions and can only be resolved through dialogue.
On the occasion, Imran Khan has said that our problems are subservient to trade and investment. He said he came to politics with the dream of a welfare state and poverty alleviation.
“The current Pakistan government has taken a number of steps towards ease of doing business, removing impediments in the way of investment. As a result of these measures, Pakistan improved by 28 points in ease of doing business in the world,” he said.
The Prime Minister also invited the Sri Lankan business community to participate in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project that opens the opportunity for them right up to Central Asia. He said incentives have been offered to the business community to invest in Special Economic Zones being established in Pakistan.
“We can learn from Sri Lanka in tourism. Pakistan has enormous potential in tourism, including unique mountains, coastal line and also religious tourism,” he added.
In his remarks, the Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said Pakistan’s focus has now been shifted from geo-politics to geo-economic. He said the current government is committed to take advantage of the geographical location of Pakistan to make it an economic hub.
The Foreign Minister has said that the economic diplomacy is also one of the most important components of our foreign policy to give boost to the economic activities. He said Pakistan’s economic indicators are on the positive trajectory.
“Pakistan has taken numerous steps to ensure ease of doing business and remarkable achievements have been made in this regard. The country’s real estate and housing sectors are also flourishing and contributing to the country’s progress and prosperity,” Qureshi added.
The Sri Lankan State Minister for Commerce has said on the occasion that the bilateral cooperation in trade is of vital importance to alleviate poverty. He stressed the need for promotion of South-South dialogue and partnership. He said both the countries need to enhance cooperation in trade and investment.
“The resource gap can also be bridged with the promotion of investment,” he added.
