Advisor to PM clears air, no change in Government policy on foreign ownership

February 6, 2019 (MLN): In a meeting with members of Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), Mr Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce, cleared the confusion caused by a recent statement by some authorities, and confirmed that there is no change in Government policy on 100% foreign shareholding allowed in legal entities incorporated in Pakistan.

He informed the participants that the government will soon announce a new ‘Industrial Policy’ and “National Tariff Policy’, in coordination with each specific sectors.

He also emphasized on the need for large foreign investment in the manufacturing sector to promote value added exports and import substitution. Mr Dawood assured that level playing field will be provided to existing investors, as well as new local and foreign investors.

OICCI members’ issues shared with the Advisor, included concerns on the effective protection of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) for trademarks, patents’ and copy rights and to make the Intellectual Property Organization Policy Board functional as it has not met since late 2016.

The Advisor on Commerce and Investment assured the largest bloc of foreign investors in Pakistan that the Government of Pakistan is highly focused on improving Ease of Doing Business and is committed to go the extra mile to facilitate investment and commerce in the country.

In this respect he referred to the recent economic reforms package announced by Minister of Finance on  23rd January and BOI Chairman’s recent media briefing highlighting various steps to facilitate SME’s and other businesses in the area of tax compliance, property registration and other aspects of Ease of Doing Business.

OICCI members shared growing interest and optimism in the government’s efforts to create a more friendly business enabling environment and recommended that the GOP should provide clarity on the Special Economic Zones and revised Investment Policy to further accelerate FDI in the country.

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