President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan is keen to enhance its bilateral ties with France and explore new avenues of cooperation in realms of trade and investment for mutual benefit of both the countries. The President said this while talking to Chairman of Pakistan-France Business Council of MEDEF International and President of Total Global Services, Mr. Thierry Pflimlin, who along with his delegation called on him at Aiwan-e-Sadr on Monday. The President emphasized that Pakistan attaches great importance to its cordial relations with France. He underscored that Pakistan offers various investment opportunities for French investors especially in the sectors like manufacturing, housing, tourism, communications, and road infrastructure. He further stated that French investors may benefit from the liberal investment policies of Pakistan. He highlighted that Pakistan follows a consistent investment policy having several lucrative incentives like full repatriation of capital, capital gains, high rate of return, dividends, and profits. Moreover, foreign Companies are allowed to use borrowing facilities both from local and foreign banks, he added. The President said that the CPEC- with its wide portfolio of projects in the domains of energy, roads and railway networks, software development and many others – offer invaluable opportunities for French companies. He added that presently, Seven (07) Special Economic Zones have been established in Pakistan, and French companies can establish/relocate their units in these SEZs. He invited the French companies to come forward and have Joint Ventures (JVs) with local and foreign companies to become part of global value chain. He assured that the Government of Pakistan is committed to facilitate the private sector in each and every step of their project cycle. The President said that given Pakistan’s economic potential, the international community views it as a highly attractive investment destination. He reiterated that Pakistan welcomes French investors and entrepreneurs. Chairman Board of Investment, Mr. Haroon Sharif, and French Ambassador to Pakistan, HE Mr. March Barety, were also present on the occasion. ******
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