Fawad welcomes investment of Spanish companies in energy, tourism projects

ISLAMABAD, Oct 12 (APP):Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain Friday said Spanish companies were welcome to invest in the energy, infrastructure and tourism projects in Pakistan.
Speaking at a reception hosted by the Spanish embassy to celebrate the National Day of Spain, he said Pakistan highly valued its friendly and cooperative relations with Spain, bilaterally as well as in the context of European Union.
“Our relationship is based on mutual respect and similarity of perceptions on global issues of mutual concern. The trajectory of Pakistan Spain ties is positive and we are determined to make every effort to maintain it.”
The minister said, “Our mutually beneficial cooperation is strengthened by our shared democratic values, commitment to continued engagement and willingness to help each other. Pakistan looks forward to deepening its partnership with Spain for the achievement of its objectives of peace, prosperity and development.”
He said Pakistan and Spain closely cooperated on issues of importance, both bilaterally as well as at the multilateral platforms, including the United Nations.
Bilateral trade between the two countries stood at US$ 1.07 billion with Pakistan’s exports of US$ 860 million and imports of US$ 211 million for the period June 2017-March 2018. There is substantial potential for further expansion.
“There is a considerable number of Pakistanis living in Spain and they serve as a bridge between our two friendly countries and positively contribute to the economic development of Spain,” he said adding, “We will have more investment opportunities after the establishment of Special Economic Zones, aimed at promoting regional trade. We have lots of business opportunities with investment friendly policies. Let us progress together through collective efforts and cooperation.”
Fawad said the government would welcome investment of European Union countries in projects related to CPEC.
He invited people from all friendly countries for a visit to Pakistan for business and tourism. “They will find a much safer Pakistan than it was a few years ago. The situation has improved and will improve further.”
He extended deepest felicitations to the government and people of Spain on their National Day.
Spain’s Ambassador to Pakistan Carlos Morales said Pakistan had a rich cultural heritage and he witnessed many changes during his more than three year stay in the country. The one major change was that Pakistan was now a more safe place, which was a major achievement.
He said Spain wanted to boost relations with Pakistan in the fields of trade and investment. The ambassador said during his stay he tried to enhance people-to-people contacts and bilateral cooperation in the areas of education, culture and tourism.
Hundreds of Pakistani students were pursuing graduate and post graduate studies in Spain, he added.
Earlier, national anthems of the two countries were played at the event attended by politicians, members of the diplomatic corps and prominent citizens from all walks of life.