Islamabad: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani said Tuesday that the government will continue to support ports and shipping industry to attract long term investments. He was speaking at the inauguration of $150m FAP grain and fertiliser terminal at Port Qasim. Sindh Governor Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Federal Ports and Shipping Minister Babar Khan Ghauri were also present on the occasion.
"Following examples of various developing countries, the government is always seeking new avenues to facilitate and encourage foreign investment into the country through provision of incentives and business friendly policies in the shipping and ports sector", the PM remarked.?Gilani said that the ports are vital to the economic development of Pakistan. "Efficient ports and terminals lower the cost of imports, bring revenue through exports, increase our foreign exchange reserves and enhance tax collection through greater transparency", he added.?He expressed confidence that these measures will help the people of Pakistan by reducing food inflation, a phenomenon that is most hurting to the poor people of our nation. ?Being one of the busiest ports in the country, Port Qasim's current contribution to the country's economic activities is quite significant, he noted. [27/10/10]
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