President, PM welcome proposal of Karachi-Muscat ferry service
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan is grateful to Oman for its support in connection with Pakistan-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Free Trade Agreement.
According to an official statement, the PM made these remarks while talking to Dr. Yahya Mahfoodh Salim Al-Manthri, President of State Council of Oman who along with a delegation called on the Prime Minister at PM House in Islamabad.
Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani, Senator Taj Haider and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.
Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister further stated that, “Pakistan and Oman are natural allies due to geographical proximity and the leadership, Government and the people of Pakistan hold Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said and the brotherly people of Oman in high esteem.”
The PM remarked that, “Pakistan would welcome its Omani brothers to invest in Pakistan, particularly in energy related projects, infrastructure development and consumer based industry as current investment policy of Pakistan has created an investment friendly environment by all sectors for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), guaranteeing equal treatment of foreign and domestic investments, protecting foreign investment with high rates of dividends.”
Prime Minister also appreciated the proposal to start a ferry service between Karachi, Gawadar and Muscat. “This initiative will start a new chapter of friendship between both countries and the service will provide an affordable alternative source of movement for a large number of people who move on these routes on regular basis,” said the PM.
While commenting on the people-to-people contacts, the Prime Minister said, “Oman is hosting sizeable Pakistani workers in various sectors and Pakistan can further provide both un-skilled and highly professional manpower in various fields including Medicine, Engineering, Information Technology, Accountancy, Education and Technical workers.”
PM further said that, “Both countries can benefit immensely through mutual exchange of experts in the field of education, science and technology.” Prime Minister conveyed earnest prayers and sincere wishes from the people and Government of Pakistan to King Qaboos and brotherly people of Oman.
President Mamnoon Hussain has said a conducive environment has been created in Pakistan and hoped that Omani investors will seize this opportunity.
He expressed these views while talking to an Omani delegation, led by Chairman of State Council Dr. Yahya Bin Salim Al-Munthri in Islamabad on Thursday.
DNA/INP