Pakistan keen to strengthen bilateral ties with France: President Alvi

ISLAMABAD: President Dr. Arif Alvi on Monday said Pakistan is focussed to strengthen its bilateral ties with France and explore new avenues of collaboration in realms of trade and investment for mutual benefit of both the countries, Radio Pakistan reported.

He was talking to Chairman of Pakistan-France Business Council of MEDEF International and President of Total Global Services Thierry Pflimlin, who along with his delegation called on him in Islamabad today.

The president underscored that Pakistan offers various investment opportunities for French investors especially in the sectors like manufacturing, housing, tourism, communications, and road infrastructure.

He elaborated 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. Foreign companies are also allowed to use borrowing facilities both from local and foreign banks, the president added.

Referring to China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Alvi said 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 said seven Special Economic Zones have been established in Pakistan, and French companies can establish and relocate their units in these SEZs.

Alvi invited the French companies to come forward and have joint ventures with local and foreign companies to become part of global value chain. He assured that the government is committed to facilitate the private sector in each and every step of their project cycle.

Welcoming French investors and entrepreneurs, the president highlighted that given Pakistan’s economic potential, the international community views it as a highly attractive investment destination.