Pakistan offers good Investment opportunities

Dubai - The country's economy and capital markets have done exceptionally well over the years

Pakistan's economy is back on track and open for business and investment following a considerable improvement in the security situation in the country, according to speakers at an investment forum.
Addressing Pakistan business community as well as potential investors, the speakers at 'Pakistan investment roadshow' in Dubai said the country's economy and capital markets have done exceptionally well over the years and now offer good investment opportunities to local and foreign investors in various economic sectors.
"The prime focus of this investment conference is to encourage Pakistanis and others also who are living here in the UAE to start having a look at Pakistan," Governor of Sindh Muhammad Zubair told Khaleej Times at the forum.
"Pakistan is re-emerging after so many decades of uncertainty; every macroeconomic indicator, the institutions are getting stronger and I think the next big place for investment is Pakistan, and I'm really looking forward to this and it's a really great privilege to be here," said Zubair, who was chief guest at the event.
Muhammad Farid Alam, chief executive officer of AKD Securities, echoed the similar views and said Pakistan business community should avail the investment opportunities in the country.
"Pakistan's economy and capital markets have done exceptionally well over the years, but we feel that some of the geographically-located areas like Dubai and expats seemed to have missed the boat, but it's not over yet. Surging capital markets, major projects such as China Pakistan Economic Corridor are moving the economic engine and thriving the economy," Alam said.
"I think it's about time for expats to really think and really invest in any asset class in Pakistan. And since we represent the capital markets, I encourage everybody to take a serious look at the potential the capital markets is providing," he added.
Pakistan stock market was declared best in Asia in 2016 as the Karachi Stock Exchange Index climbed more than 52 per cent over the past year.  The exchange rose above 50,000 mark for the first time in February.
Pakistan's Ambassador to UAE Moazzam Ahmed Khan said the country is open for business and ready to welcome foreign investment in key sectors.
"The prime focus of this forum is to attract Pak business community and Arab investors and apprise them about investment opportunities in the country," Khan said.
Consulate General of Pakistan to Dubai Brigadier (retired) Syed Javed Hassan said the country is moving fast on economic front as the security conditions are considerably improved.
"We offer good investment opportunities and I hope the investors will this seriously," he said.
Pakistan, 40th largest economy in the world with $270 billion gross domestic product, is winning positive feedback from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank nd its economy is expected to achieve 5.2 per cent growth rate in 2017.
- muzaffarrizvi@khaleejtimes.com

• Pakistan