ISLAMABAD: In an effort to create a more business-friendly environment aimed at stimulating investments, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar issued directives on Saturday to relax the visa policy for businessmen.
The caretaker prime minister gave these instructions while presiding over the fifth apex committee meeting of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in Islamabad today.
He emphasized that the government would streamline the process of granting visas to entrepreneurs, highlighting that these measures mark a new phase for Pakistan.
Following the SIFC meeting, Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, accompanied by other ministers, held a joint press conference. He announced that the government intends to issue long-term visas to members of the business community who invest in the country.
Referring to the European Union (EU) as a significant partner for Pakistan, he noted that the nation’s trade volume with various countries had increased in recent months. Minister Jilani highlighted a $3 billion increase in trade with the United States (US) as a notable example. He stressed that the primary objective of the SIFC is to address the challenges faced by investors.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jilani also mentioned that the government is actively working to resolve issues faced by foreign investors, further strengthening Pakistan’s ties with both regional and international communities. He affirmed that Pakistan’s defense, political, and economic relationships with the rest of the world are improving.
Describing the SIFC as a groundbreaking initiative, the caretaker foreign minister drew parallels with China, emphasizing that Pakistan also maintains close trade relations with the US. Additionally, he noted the interest expressed by the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in investing in Pakistan.
Minister Jilani revealed that the government is actively pursuing initiatives to enhance bilateral trade with the EU and African nations, indicating a commitment to expanding economic ties with these regions.
