Head of visiting UK delegation terms Pakistan a land of opportunity

KARACHI: The head of the visiting seven-member British Parliamentary delegation, Rehman Chishti, MP, while terming Pakistan as `land of opportunities', said that the country has huge potential as there are plenty of business opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in Karachi and that was the basic reason UK parliamentarians are keen to strengthen and deepen relations with Pakistan.

“We are here in Pakistan and Karachi as we believe that Pakistan's economy is going to become the 20th largest economy of the world by 2030 because of good governance and infrastructure”, he added while visiting on the second day of 14th My Karachi-Oasis of Harmony Exhibition here at Expo Center on Saturday, says a statement of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI).

Rehman Chishti, who is also the Chairman of British Parliamentary Committee on Pakistan, said that the reality about Pakistan was totally different as compared to its perception.

“Karachi is safe and the people of Karachi are great”, he added.

He informed that the British prime minister will be visiting Pakistan within the next few months whereas the British Trade minister will also be visiting this country in the next couple of weeks.

“British Foreign minister and Home minister have already visited Pakistan and our prime minister will also be arriving here as it is our desire to further deepen the existing relations between both the countries, he said, adding that UK wants to improve and maximize its trade and investment with Pakistan.

Rehman Chishti noted that around 1.1 million British Pakistanis are inhabiting in UK who are contributing at every level.

“It is our willingness to engage these British Pakistanis in promoting trade and investment between the two countries”, he added.

To a query regarding UK's interest in China-Pakistan EconomicCorridor (CPEC), he said, “We are reviewing all the aspects of CPEC and it seems that all aspects have potential for British investment”.

CPEC offers great investment opportunities for United Kingdom across all sectors.

Referring to British Parliamentarians delegation's meetings with Chief Ministers of Sindh and Punjab, he said that they were willing to make sure that the investment opportunities reaching Pakistan from UK are equally distributed amongst provinces.

He informed that both countries enjoy strong trade ties and UKwas looking forward for investment opportunities in Services, Goods,Banking and Security, Tourism sectors.