Build Asia Exhibition: Pakistan to enter new era after Sindh’s new mega project, says Sharjeel

KARACHI: Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon on Tuesday said there are vast investment opportunities in Pakistan because the country is rich in natural mines and minerals. He was speaking to the media at the opening ceremony of the three-day 18th Build Asia International Exhibition & Conferences at the Expo Centre.

Memon said the government wants to provide facilities to business owners, use modern technology to offer them services, and provide a reliable environment to foreign investors and business owners.

The government has relaxed the visa policy for foreigners, and the priority of the federal and provincial governments is to encourage investment in every sector, he added.

“Foreign investors must be provided with facilities for business and residence to increase their confidence, so that not only Pakistanis but also international investors invest in Pakistan.”

He said the provincial government has also invited international investors for Thar coal, with delegations from many countries, including China, having visited Pakistan. Positive changes have been brought to Pakistan, and further changes must also be made in our attitudes and style of governance, he added.

He also said investors are being provided facilities through the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), and if business owners are given these facilities, their confidence would increase. The SIFC plays an important role in ensuring economic stability in the country, he added.

“Pakistan has many investment opportunities, and we can take our products to the international market in a better way. The Sindh government is bringing a big surprise, and the announcement will be made soon.”

Replying to a question, Memon said: “We consider every person living in Sindh a Sindhi. We also consider our Urdu-speaking brothers Sindhis, and we ourselves say they are our Urdu-speaking Sindhis.”

He said Yutong, a Chinese manufacturer of commercial vehicles, has assured the government that it would set up a manufacturing plant in Sindh. When the plant is established, people here will get employment, he added.

He also said the provincial government established the Dhabeji Special Economic Zone (SEZ) to promote investment. This is the most modern SEZ in Pakistan, and the only one that is part of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, he added.

Memon said the Sindh government is coming up with a mega project. He said it would also be great news for business owners. After this project Pakistan will enter a new era, he added.

Responding to a query, he said: “Riots were organised here to move the capital out of Sindh. The Sindh government has controlled other major crimes, including terrorism. We want to create an environment where business institutions that have left can come back.”

He also said: “Whether it’s Punjab or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, we have no objection to investment anywhere in Pakistan, but every business owner believes that even today, the most suitable places to set up a factory in Pakistan are Karachi, Dhabeji and Nooriabad.” He pointed out that Karachi has a port for exporting everything. “Under a conspiracy, business was shifted out of Karachi. With our efforts, investors and business owners from all over the world will come to Karachi.”

The minister said: “Yesterday the government held talks with the opposition in a positive atmosphere. The Pakistan Peoples Party has been saying from day one that the solution to all kinds of contradictions in the world is dialogue.”

He said the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf has finally come to the table. Better late that never, he added. He also said we want those who were complicit in incidents like that of May 9 to face the consequences of their actions as well.

“There have been international objections to military courts, but this is an internal matter of Pakistan, and no one needs to interfere in Pakistan’s internal affairs.” Memon said the provincial government spent more than a billion dollars on Thar coal, and today electricity from Thar coal is going to the national grid. “We want electricity to be affordable for everyone, and we aim to promote people’s businesses.”

Replying to a question, he said: “Some people are sitting at the negotiating table, while others, like Arif Alvi, are engaging in political intrigues. They don’t want negotiations to take place; they want their leader to remain in jail, and they want their businesses to continue.”

Responding to another query, the minister said: “Heavy traffic in Karachi is a big challenge. I request the licence issuers to check these issues before issuing licences.”

After speaking to the media and giving a brief speech at a panel discussion, he said: “From industrialists to labourers, everyone’s livelihood is linked to construction work. We want to keep investors stable and safe, and we are also working to bring foreign investment to Pakistan.”

Regarding law and order, Memon said the situation has improved, and now all kinds of investors can invest in Karachi. “I assure you that any problems that arise will be resolved by the Sindh government.”