Pak-Yemen for boosting, defence, trade ties
13 December, 2006
SANA'A: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and his Yemeni counterpart Abdul Qadir Bajamal held second round of talks in Sanaa Tuesday and discussed matters of bilateral interest with particular focus on expanding bilateral ties in various fields. Both the leaders discussed matters of bilateral interests with a particular focus on expanding Pak-Yemen ties in trade and economy, defence, security and investment. The two leaders also held one-on-one meeting and discussed host of issues to expand bilateral ties in all fields and increase people to people contact to further cement existing friendly relations. Mr. Shaukat Aziz informed his Yemeni counterpart that Pakistan offers best investment opportunities for the foreign investors and Yemeni investors can avail these opportunities. Both the leaders also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest including Iraq, Lebanon, Palestine, Afghanistan and Kashmir. They also discussed ways and means to make OIC an effective body so that it can become a true representative of the Muslims. Earlier talking to a group of investors and businessmen in Sana'a, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said that Pakistan is a lucrative destination for investment and urged the Yemeni investors to take benefit from the tremendous investment opportunities existing in various fields. He said as a result of high economic growth and expanded economic activities in the country, opportunities for investment and business have also been increased manifold. Mr. Shaukat Aziz said a lot of foreign and domestic investment is taking place in various sectors of economy and the country received record foreign direct investment last year. The government, he said, is trying to attract investors to set up power generation plants and sell the electricity to public company through private-public sector partnership. He said due to structural economic reforms is now open to local and foreign investors and there are no restrictions of any kind. He said the government has taken adequate measures to ensure a win-win situation for all stake holders and the investors can earn maximum profit through their investment. The Prime Minister said there are vast opportunities of investment in country in the sectors of housing, real estate, oil & gas, mineral exploration, agriculture, packaging, tourism and infrastructure development. Pakistan and Yemen also signed four agreements and one Memorandum of Understanding in Sana'a to promote cooperation in various fields between the two countries. The agreements signed include enhanced cooperation in cultural field cooperation, cooperation in higher education and scientific research and abolition of visa requirement for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports besides enhancing cooperation in food, agriculture and livestock sectors. Under these agreements, both the countries will have exchange of Professors, Scientists and Agricultural Researchers. These will also enhance cooperation in irrigation and afforestation. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Federation of Yemen Chambers of Commerce and Industry and the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry to promote business and investment activities and facilitate private sector in this regard. The MOU will also help in setting up of a joint Business Council of both the countries. The agreements were signed by the Ministers concerned from Pakistan and Yemen. Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and his Yemeni counterpart were also present on the occasion.
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