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P.R. No. 96 Mr. Jacob J. Lew, US Deputy Secretary of State for Resources and Management called on Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Adviser to PM on Finance here today. During the meeting Mr. Jacob J. Lew was briefed about the state of Pakistan’s economy by various Federal Secretaries of economic ministries. Speaking to the visiting US Deputy Secretary of State, Dr. Hafeez Shaikh appreciated the role of US assistance in the economic development of Pakistan. He stressed the need for enhancement of mutual cooperation between the two countries, in the economic assistance programme, so that the deserving projects receive due priorities. In this regard, he underlined the need for US assistance in development of energy and agriculture sectors. Appreciating Pakistan’s recent economic achievement, Mr. Jacob J. Lew said that the real objective of US economic assistance to Pakistan is the solution of economic problems of common man. He assured Dr. Hafeez Shaikh of his government’s continued assistance in the economic development process of Pakistan.
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97 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan and Oman are two brotherly countries which have stood together in difficult times. He thanked the Government of Oman for their assistance both during 2005 earthquake and for the IDPs of Malakand and Swat. The Prime Minister was talking to the Ambassador of Oman Mr. Mohammad Said Mohammad Al-Lawati who met him prior to handing over the keys of six Ambulances donated by Oman for the IDPs. The meeting followed by a simple ceremony of handing over the keys of the Ambulances was held at the Prime Minister’s House here today. The Prime Minister appreciated the gesture of the leadership and government of Oman for their donation of six Ambulances for IDPs and said it would strengthen the resolve of government of Pakistan to help the IDPs both in Malakand as well as Waziristan. The Prime Minister said that now IDPs of North and South Waziristan need our attention for their proper rehabilitation. The development of the areas cleared from militancy is the priority and the efforts of the government are focused upon it. The people of FATA particularly Waziristan have sacrificed a lot and have stood by their commitment with their country. The Ambassador of Oman conveyed the good wishes of the Sultan of Oman and added that assistance in time of need to brotherly country like Pakistan is considered as a duty by the people of Oman. He also congratulated the Prime Minister on the passage of 18th Amendment Bill in the National Assembly and expressed confident it would be beneficial for the polity of Pakistan. The meeting was followed by a simple ceremony in which the Ambassador of Oman handed over the Keys of the Ambulances to the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister and the Ambassador also examined the technical and medical facilities provided in the Ambulances. The equipment provided in the Ambulances could cater for any sort of emergency treatment and also help reach the nearest hospital. Minister for Information & Broadcasting Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Mrs. Asma Arbab Alamgir MNA and DG IDPs NWFP Mr. Shakeel Qadir were present on the occasion. **PMMO/Ahmad**
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No. 98 The Pakistan People Party government is fully committed to overcome all those changeless which are impeding progress and prosperity of the country. This was stated by Federal Minister for Commerce Makhdoom Amin Fahim while addressing Group of Residence Ambassadors High Commissioners Members (GRAHM). GRAHM is group of 26 Ambassadors/High Commissioners of Non-Arab Asian Countries, created in 2002. The member countries include Central Asian Republics , Iran , Afghanistan , Malaysia Maldives and etc. Makhdoom Amin Fahim was the Chief Gust on the occasion. In his opening remarks Ambassador of Tajikistan, who hosted the current reception, said that groups like GRAHM discuss matters of mutual interest with functionaries of the incumbent government. Ambassador of Iran expressed his gratitude to the entire participant Ambassadors. In his address Makhdoom Amin Fahim expressed his pleasure for giving him a chance to share his views over challenges faced by the present government. He expressed his gratefulness to the National Assembly over passing the18th amendment bill which is a constrictive step for better future. The Federal Minister stated that time has now come to translate our abiding cooperation and fraternity into even closer ties in the field of Commerce Trade and Economy. Referring to the manifesto of his party, he said that it was to serve the poor lot of the country, and the present government would implement it in letter and sprit. While responding to a question Makhdoom Amin Fahim said that 18th amendment would restore the supremacy of the parliament and provincial autonomy. **SH/Ahmad**
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No. 99
Mr. Adnan Mazarie, Assistant Director, Middle East and Central Asia Department of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) paid a courtesy call on Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Adviser to PM on Finance here today. He remained with the Adviser for some time and discussed issues related to IMF assistance programme for Pakistan. It may be noted that the IMF team is visiting Pakistan to hold discussions with Pakistani officials for implementation of IMF programme. **KS/Ahmad**
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100 President Asif Ali Zardari Friday has expressed the hope that the recently concluded Pak-US strategic dialogue would help translate bilateral relationship between the two countries into a long term partnership based on mutual respect and trust. He said that the increased level of congressional engagement is encouraging for strengthening bilateral relations and people to people contacts between the two countries. This he said during a meeting with US delegation led by Senator Thomas Carper, Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee, which called on him at the Aiwan-e-Sadr Friday afternoon. The US delegation beside Thomas Carper also included Senator Tom Udall, Senator Scott Brown, Senator Max Baucus, Representative Robert Wittman, Representative John Salazar and Representative Betsy Markey. US Ambassador in Pakistan Ms. Anne W. Patterson was also present during the meeting. The Pakistani side included defence minister Chaudhary Ahmad Mukhtar, Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Interior Minister Mr. Rehman A. Malik, Secretary General to the President Mr. Salman Faruqui, Senator Sughra Imam, Ms Farahnaz Ispahani, MNA and senior government officials. Matters regarding Pak- US bilateral relations, Pakistan’s role in the fight against militancy and terrorism, and regional situation were discussed during the meeting. The President while talking to the delegation said that Pakistan appreciates US understanding of the requirements and concerns of the government and people of Pakistan during recently held strategic dialogue between the two countries. The President called for working out a comprehensive mechanism to take the strategic dialogue forward in a result oriented, constructive and productive manner for deeper engagement in all the identified and agreed sectoral tracks. He hoped that the process of institutional connect will be enduring and productive. The President while appreciating the US government’s decision of withdrawal of body screening of Pakistani travelers at the US airports described it as a “good step in right direction” and added that screening regime had hurt the sentiments of Pakistani nationals. The President also called upon the U.S. to assist Pakistan in energy technologies to help the country overcome its energy crises, on the one hand, and bridge the trust deficit between the two countries on the other. Talking about regional issues, the President said that Pakistan desires stability in the region and welcomes efforts by the international community in this regard. The President said that the Pakistani nation and its security Forces are committed to fight the menace of extremism and militancy. Pakistan as a nation has sacrificed more than any other coalition partner in this war both in terms of human and economic loss, the President said and added that Pakistan looks forward to the support of the international community in the fight against militancy and overcoming economic problems. The President also called upon the US to strengthen and enhance counter terrorism capabilities of the Pak security apparatus through provision of timely assistance and necessary tools and equipment. The President emphasized the need to expedite ROZ legislation in order to give local people hope for the better through creation of job and other economic opportunities. He asked the congressional delegation to play their role in this regard as this would be a dividend for the inhabitants of war affected areas. Senator Thomas Carper lauded Pakistan’s efforts in war against terror and said that US desires long term strategic partnership with Pakistan and would continue to support Pakistan in its fight against militancy as well as overcoming its economic problems. **FU/Ahmad**
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No. 101 Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Bin Thani, member of Royal family of Qatar, called on President Asif Ali Zardari at the Aiwan-e-Sadr Friday afternoon. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between the two countries. The President said that Pakistan values its cordial and friendly relations with the brotherly Muslim country Qatar and desires to further strengthen and enhance cooperation in all fields especially in the economic, commercial, investment, manpower and energy sectors. The President while referring to the investment opportunities in Pakistan invited Qatari investors to invest in Pakistan’s energy, infrastructure, Information technology and construction sectors. The President also called for increased contacts between the business communities of the two countries to the mutual benefit. The President also appreciated the support and assistance of the Qatar Government in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the displaced people in Pakistan as a result of fight against militancy. Sheikh Ali Bin Abdullah Bin Thani assured full support of his government in Pakistan’s fight against terrorism and in its efforts for the reconstruction of the war affected areas of FATA and Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa. Ambassador of Qatar in Pakistan Mr. Syyar Bin Abdul Rehman Al- Moawada was also present during the meeting.
P.R. No. 102 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said besides the close brotherly relations, the people of Pakistan have religion attachment with Saudi Arabia. The relations between both the country, he added are time tested and have strengthen over a period. The emotional sentiments he stressed have great scope for converting these brotherly ties into concrete measures. The Prime Minister was talking to Prince Amr Mohamed Al-Faisal Al-Saud, Chairman of Ithmaar BSC and Faysal Banks of Saudi Arabia, who called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here this afternoon. He was accompanied by Mr. Khalid Abdullah Jamani Executive Vice Chairman and Mr. Naveed A. Khan, President and ECO of Faysal Bank Ltd. Welcoming the visiting delegation, the Prime Minister said that the government has provided an investor-friendly atmosphere in the banking sector to the foreign investors and is extending all out cooperation in this regard. The Prime Minister said that greater cooperation in banking business between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan would help adopt better risk management techniques in the banking sector. He said that Faysal Bank’s operation in Pakistan was playing an important role in our country’s economy by consumer financing and industrial development. He said that the bank’s assets base of over Rs 180 billion with a shareholder’s equity of Rs. 12 billion was a remarkable contribution in the banking sector in Pakistan. The Prime Minister invited the Faysal Bank’s further investment in Pakistan banking sector and assured government’s continued support and cooperation in this regard. The Prime Minister agreed with the Prince Amr that people to people contacts and cultural links need to be developed for creating better understanding among the people. The exchange of Parliamentary, Youth, Academicians, Students, Sports, Cultural and Business delegations, he mentioned could help identify specific areas of cooperation, for building long term relations. Prince Amr Mohamed Al-Faysal congratulated the Prime Minister on the passage of 18th Amendment Bill and lauded his efforts for developing political consensus among the political forces in the country. The Prime Minister thanked the Prince and said that it was the blessing of Almighty Allah that the unity and harmony displayed by the political parties after the 2008 elections is still continuing. It also demonstrates the will of all the political parties to resolve National issues and move forward towards progress and prosperity of the country. The Chairman of Faysal Bank briefed the Prime Minister about his bank’s operation in Pakistan. He told that Faysal Bank has a network of 135 branches and 117 Automatic Telling Machines (ATMs) in 36 cities across Pakistan. He informed the Prime Minister that Faysal Bank’s operation in Pakistan would be further expanded for the mutual advantage. Secretary Finance Mr. Salman Siddique, Executive Vice Chairman & Chairman Group Executive Management Committee, Ithmaar Bank Mr. Khalid Abdullah Janahi, President & CEO, Faysal Bank Ltd, Pakistan Mr. Naved A. Khan were also present during the meeting.
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No. 103 Syed Naveed Qamar meets Muhammad Al-Howqal, CEO Kuwait Energy Company; discusses investment climate in the oil and gas sector of country Syed Naveed Qamar, the Federal Minister of Petroleum and Natural Resources held a meeting with Mr. Muhammad Al-Howqal, the Chief Executive Officer of Kuwait Energy Company who called on him here today. The two exchanged views on the investment climate and opportunities in the oil and gas exploration and production sector of the country.The Minister highlighting the investment potential said Pakistan undoubtedly offered long-term gains. Those companies who have been here and stayed for long were a proof of this. He encouraged companies to avail the opportunities offered by the country adding that those who are strong, seriously committed and have a heart for Pakistan could excel but those who do not have a heart could be easily discouraged. The Minister said that he was here to facilitate and ensure that things run smoothly. Al Howqal explained that he in a joint venture with New Horizon Ltd. had proved to be very successful and were presently working on two blocks, Jharak and Kunri in the Sindh province. He said that geophysical and geological work had already been done. He said that he was hopeful of starting drilling by June. He emphsised “we are long-term investors and not for short term.” He said they were also interested in two more blocks. Al-Howqal said that the people of Kuwait and his company for that matter, understood Pakistan better than many countries. He said that he was also very much interested in the community and its improvement. Director General Petroluem Concesions Mr. Naeem Malik and CEO New Horizon E&P Ltd. Syed Wamiq Bukhari were also present during the meeting.
P.R. No. 104 To celebrate the passage of the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment Bill in the National Assembly President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday awarded special remission to all prisoners, by remitting one fourth of their total sentences. Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President granted the remission under powers available to him under Article 45 of the Constitution and on the advice of the Prime Minister. “The President shall have power to grant pardon, reprieve and respite, and to remit, suspend or commute any sentence passed by any court, tribunal or other authority”, Article 45 says. Total remission has been given to the female convict prisoners who are 60 years of age or above and have undergone at least 1/3rd of substantive sentences imprisonment. Male prisoners 65 years of age or above and have undergone at least 1/3rd of imprisonment, have also been given total remission in their sentences. The special remission is not for those who have been convicted of crimes such as murder, espionage, anti-state activities, terrorism, kidnapping and abduction for ransom, robbery and dacoity. “Let the prisoners also participate in celebrating this national achievement of democratizing the Constitution and banishing from it the vestiges of dictatorship”, the President remarked while signing the summary for special remission. The President said that it was a momentous day in the history of the country as the democratic Constitution given in 1973 by the political leaders of the country by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and the PPP had bounced back shedding undemocratic interventions. He said that the democratic forces had reasserted themselves proving once again that in the final analysis it is the force of the people that counts.
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No. 105 On the invitation of President Barack Obama, Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani will lead the Pakistan delegation at the Nuclear Security Summit being held in Washington on 12-13 April 2010. He will be accompanied by Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The Prime Minister’s participation in the Nuclear Security Summit would be his first engagement in an international forum dealing with nuclear issues after assuming the Chairmanship of the National Command Authority (NCA). It may be recalled that President Obama announced to host a Global Summit on Nuclear Security in his Prague speech in April 2009. He identified nuclear terrorism as the most immediate and extreme threat to global security. He announced to launch a new international effort to secure all vulnerable nuclear materials around the world within four years to prevent it from falling into the hands of terrorists. Leaders from more than forty countries along with the UN Secretary General and Director General of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have been invited to participate in the Nuclear Security Summit. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Ambassador Masood Khan was designated as our Sherpa (focal point) for the Summit. He along with his team of experts actively participated in the preparatory meetings held in Vienna, Washington D.C, Tokyo and The Hague. The preparatory meetings finalized the draft Communiqué and the Work Plan as two outcome documents of the Summit. The programme of the Summit includes an exclusive kick-off dinner, two formal plenary sessions and a working lunch for the participating Heads of Delegation. Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani will be one of the lead speakers at the inaugural dinner being hosted by President Barak Obama on April 12 for the Heads of State/Government participating in the Summit. he Nuclear Security Summit is aimed at evolving consensus on securing nuclear facilities and materials around the globe. As a nuclear weapon state, Pakistan is cognizant of its special responsibilities and attaches highest importance to the security of nuclear materials both for civil and military use. Pakistan has developed and put in place multi-layered fail-safe mechanisms for the safety and security of its nuclear assets. The Prime Minister will also hold bilateral meetings with President Barack Obama and other world leaders on the sidelines of the Nuclear Security Summit.
P.R. No. 106 The US Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. Jacob J. Lew met with Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi at the Foreign Office today. He was accompanied by Ambassador Robin Raphel, Coordinator for Economic and Development Assistance and members of his delegation. Foreign Secretary Salman Bashir was also present. Welcoming Mr. Lew, the Foreign Minister said that his visit coming soon after the recently-held Pakistan – US Strategic Dialogue in Washington was very timely. It was important that the momentum generated by the Fourth Round of the Strategic Dialogue should be sustained. In this regard, the Foreign Minister underlined the need for urgently agreeing on a calendar of sectoral meetings in Islamabad so that the work in areas which were of direct benefit to the people of Pakistan could be expedited. Foreign Minister Qureshi appreciated that the US was now focusing to transform its relationship with Pakistan from a transactional to a long-term partnership. The US engagement in overcoming Pakistan’s energy deficit as well as helping the country in water management, agriculture, education, health and other sectors was most encouraging. The Foreign Minister emphasized that in the last two years the Government and the people of Pakistan had demonstrated strong determination to extirpate terrorism and militancy from the country. The economic assistance being received under the Kerry-Lugar-Berman legislation should help consolidate the gains achieved of late against violent extremism. The US Deputy Secretary of State commended Pakistan’s efforts against terrorism and assured the Foreign Minister that the Obama administration was fully aware of Pakistan’s difficulties and the huge sacrifices its people had been giving in the fight against terrorism. The Deputy Secretary of State said the economic assistance being provided to Pakistan would be spent in accordance with its own national priorities, adding that this was reflective of the evolving long-term friendship between the two countries.
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No. 107 Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani has said that US must priorities disbursement of its economic assistance by under taking high visibility projects in power generation, vocational training, higher institutions of learning, health, agriculture and water conservation sectors for creating an impact on the public image in Pakistan. His government, the Prime Minister said, would welcome the United States’ assistance in these areas. The Prime Minister was talking to the US Parliamentary Delegation led by Senator Thomas Carper which called on him at the Prime Minister’s House here this evening. The Prime Minister stated that despite unmatched and unparalleled human and material sacrifices in the war against terror Pakistan remained steadfast for eradication of this menace from its soil. The people of Pakistan and all the political stake holders are with the government on this account but this support can dilute if the areas cleared from the militants are not rebuild and people are not provided with immediate relief. Prime Minister appreciated the news that United States and Japan would make joint demarches to the donor countries to deliver on the pledges made by them in Tokyo. He hoped that commitments and economic assistance would be delivered upon to help the government implement its development agenda for the militancy affected as well as backward areas of the country. The Prime Minister said that he was looking forward to his visit to US and meeting with President Obama as well as other US leadership to inject new dynamism and impetus to Pakistan-USA strategic relationship on enduring basis. While dilating on regional situation, the Prime Minister termed the stability and security in Afghanistan as that of Pakistan itself. He stated that the Afghan refugees in Pakistan can go back to their homes only when peace was fully restored in Afghanistan. Pakistan, he added, would support any initiative and consultation which can bring peace on both sides of the border. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan wanted to have a peaceful resolution of all the core issues and disputes with India through restoration of composite dialogue. He urged upon the US and the major countries to play a role in this regard enabling Pakistan to focus on its war against militancy and terrorism. The members of US congressional delegation acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices and resolute commitment in the war against terror. They assured the Prime Minister of their complete support in addressing the huge economic and security problems that Pakistan was faced with. They also applauded Prime Minister’s leadership and consensus making capabilities to take the whole nation along and congratulated him on unanimous passage of 18th Constitutional Amendment Package by the National Assembly. The Congressional delegation agreed with the Prime Minister that provision of greater market access through passage of ROZ Legislation, inclusion of Pakistan textile products in the US generalize system of preferences (GSP) and increase interaction between the corporate sectors of both the countries for greater investment need to be pursued vigorously. Minister for Foreign Affairs Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Minister for Interior Rehman Malik, Advisor on Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Senator Syed Sughra Hussain Imam, Secretary Defence Lt Gen ® Syed Athar Ali, Secretary Finance, Mr. Salman Siddique, and Foreign Secretary Mr. Salman Bashir were also present in the meeting.
P.R. No. 108 The Prime Minister has appointed Mrs. Asma Arbab Alamgir, MNA as Advisor to the Ministry of States and Frontier Regions, on honorary basis. Ms. Asma Arbab Alamgir is the President of PPP Women Wing, Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa and Federal Coordinator of IDPs. She did her graduation in Law & Economics. She belongs to a known political family of Khyber-Pakhtunkhawa and has the honour of working with Benazir Bhutto Shaheed on women issues and development of the province. She has worked for the rights of women and has attended a number of international conferences in this connection including meetings regarding IDPs. Ms. Asma has chaired a number of conferences in the UN on women emancipation, International Parliamentary Union issues, as well as European Union conferences as representative of the PPP.
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No. 109 Chief of the Army Staff General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani called on Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani here at PM’s House this evening and discussed the overall security situation of the country. They also exchanged views on the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister to Washington to attend the Nuclear Security Summit.
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No. 11O The Prime Minister has appointed Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, MNA as Advisor to the Ministry of Women Development, on honorary basis. Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman did her graduation from Kinnaired College and obtained diploma from National Defence University. She was a recipient of Chevining Fellow Scholarship on British High Commission’s nomination and got diploma from the University College London in gender mainstream in policy planning development 2005-06. She did orientation study for two weeks at West Minister System of Parliament. She is also a Visiting Lecturer/Speaker at the Staff College, Lahore.
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No. 111 President Asif Ali Zardari Friday urged entrepreneurs and investors to take advantage of the investment friendly policies adopted by the government of Pakistan and invest in critical areas of development for mutual benefit He said this while addressing the dinner meeting hosted by the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry LCCI in the Presidency Friday night. Briefing the media about the meeting Spokesperson to the President former Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the President identified critical areas of investment as energy, infrastructure development, housing and health care. The President said that the Government had taken a number of steps to attract investment in Pakistan, both local and foreign. The government has also embarked upon private-public partnership and offered tax free zones for attracting investment, the President said. A separate Board of Investment had also been set up in Sindh to attract investment in the province, which has the potential to serve as an economist hub for the region. President Zardari said that Pakistan’s abundant natural resources, strategic location, investor friendly polices, sovereign guarantees offered by the government and a productive work force were key elements for attracting investment. He said that the incentives had been offered for export to regional markets of goods produced locally in special zones besides a one-window facility for the investors in Pakistan. Dedicate power plants for special types of industries were also envisaged to be set up for speeding up the process of industrialization and investment. He said the one-window facility will also overcome bureaucratic delays and help in speedy investment. “The government has also adopted a policy of public-private partnership and offer same incentives and facilities to local and foreign entrepreneurs.” The President said Pakistan’s ports were closer to vast markets in China and India from even those countries’ own ports. He said Pakistan offers unique opportunities to business and entrepreneurs because of its strategic location that enables it to serve the market of over two billion people in China, India and Central Asia. “Perhaps no other country has such a strategic location or claim to offer such great opportunities to businessmen and entrepreneurs,” he added. President Zardari said Pakistan was engaged in a serious war against militancy that was also very costly. “Our armed forces, police, para-military forces and the citizens have made huge sacrifices,” the President said and added “We salute their heroism and courage.” The President said the war on terror has also inflicted huge damage on Pakistan’s economy. “The war against militancy has cost us over 35 billion dollars,” the President said and added these are challenges of development which we are determined to address through out of box solutions and with the help of international community as well as local entrepreneurs. President Zardari said that the government had adopted these measures so that international investors, buyers and entrepreneurs did not shy away from investment due to the on going fight against militants. He said that he realized the problems faced by the investors and was keen to solve them with the advice of the businessmen. He said increase in the level of poverty has implications both for Pakistan and the international community and that was why the government has been seeking greater access to the markets of EU and the US. He said that even today in his meeting with the US congressional delegation he had impressed upon them the need for RoZ (reconstruction Opportunity Zones) legislation to enable goods manufactured in special Pakistani zones find easy access to their markets. He said Pakistan immediately needs assistance stressing also “We want trade, not aid.” He said aid was welcome but in Pakistan’s situation trade was more sustainable as it helps integrate people and cultures across borders. It also helps in removing the negative perceptions of developed countries that the militants propagate, he added. President Zardari said while Pakistan will continue to explore new markets and diversify its products mix, “we also need a preferential treatment by our major trading partners.” “We believe that we are entitled to it on account of our sacrifices and suffering on behalf of the international community in the war against terror,” the President said. He asked the international community to think of ways to compensate the countries most adversely impacted by the war on terror by making some allowance to them for market access. The President said he was pleased that the Lahore Chamber of Commerce was holding Ambassadors Conference in Gilgit-Baltistan in May this year to highlight the business and investment potential of that area and also a fashion show in Paris. “With the political reforms recently announced in Gilgit- Baltistan I am confident that this potential will increase manifold. The fashion show will not only help Pakistan’s textile and garments industry but also promote our soft image.” “I welcome these initiatives and assure that the Government will extend full support to these initiatives in meeting their objectives.” The President complimented the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its President Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry for the initiative to bring the business community together and said the practice would continue. He said such gatherings and meetings were most helpful in extending the businessmen and industrialists’ reach on the one hand and in informing the outside world through the diplomats of the business potential Pakistan offers, on the other. The dinner was attended by Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani, ministers, members of the business community and ambassadors. The President LCCI Zafar Iqbal Chaudhry also spoke on the occasion.
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