Manend Team 
COLOMBO, (MANEND NEWS): Prime Minister Imran Khan has
emphasized on improving trade links among the countries of the sub-
continent to bring people out of poverty.
Addressing the first Pakistan-Sri Lanka Trade and Investment
Conference in Colombo on Wednesday, PM Imran Khan said the way
forward for the sub-continent is to resolve differences and improve
trade relationship.
He said our difference is only Kashmir issue, which should be resolved
as per the UN resolutions. He said differences can only be resolved
through dialogue.
The Prime Minister said our problems are subservient to trade and
investment. Imran Khan said he came to politics with the dream of a
welfare state and poverty alleviation.
He said the current Pakistan government has taken a number of steps
towards ease of doing business, removing impediments in the way of
investment. He said as a result of these measures, Pakistan improved
by 28 points in ease of doing business in the world.
Imran Khan invited the Sri Lankan business community to participate
in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project that opens the
opportunity for them right up to Central Asia. He said incentives have
been offered to the business community to invest in Special Economic
Zones being established in Pakistan.
He said we can learn from Sri Lanka in tourism. He said Pakistan has
enormous potential in tourism, including unique mountains, coastal
line and also religious tourism.
Addressing the ceremony, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi
said Pakistan’s focus has now been shifted from geo-politics to geo-
economic. He said the current government is committed to take
advantage of the geographical location of Pakistan to make it an
economic hub.
He said economic diplomacy is also one of the most important
components of our foreign policy to give boost to the economic
activities.
The Minister said Pakistan’s economic indicators are on the positive
trajectory.
He said Pakistan has taken numerous steps to ensure ease of doing
business and remarkable achievements have been made in this
regard. He said the country’s real estate and housing sectors are also
flourishing and contributing to the country’s progress and prosperity.
Speaking on the occasion, Adviser on Commerce and Investment
Abdul Razak Dawood said Pakistan’s economy has shown remarkable
turnaround during the COVID-19.
He said Pakistan provides great opportunities to businessmen to come,
invest and enjoy the lucrative environment there. He said the business
communities of both the countries must work hard to further build
economic relations.
Addressing the ceremony, the Sri Lankan State Minister for Commerce
said bilateral cooperation in trade is of vital importance to alleviate
poverty.
He stressed the need for promotion of South-South dialogue and
partnership. He said both the countries need to enhance cooperation in
trade and investment. He said the resource gap can also be bridged
with the promotion of investment.