Govt to welcome Chilean investment in Reko-Diq project: PM

       
ISLAMABAD, Oct 29 (APP): Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani Friday reiterated the government’s resolve to explore all possible opportunities to attract investment as well as to utilize the natural resources of country for the economic prosperity of people.He was talking to a delegation of Consortium of Mineral Exploring Company which led by Mr. Andronico Luksic, Vice Chairman, Board of Directors, Banco De Chile called on him here at the PM House on Friday.Other members of the delegation included Mr. Gerhard Von Borries, Chief Executive, and Director, Corporate, M/s Tethyan Copper Company.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan really wants foreign investment and intends to encourage the best firms and companies which can give the best results. It is with the same intention that the government has prepared investor friendly policies and opened up various sectors for the interested investors, he added.
The Prime Minister said that it was an encouraging sign that the foreign companies wanted to avail the investment opportunities in the mineral sector in Pakistan for their mutual advantage.
Pakistan has a vibrant private sector best suited for public-private partnership for the good of the people of both countries, he added.
The Prime Minister assured full support and fair deal in handling the Reko-Diq project and would provide all possible cooperation for early launching of this mega project.   
Mr. Andronico Luksic informed the Prime Minister that the company would invest $ 3.5 billion over the four years in the Reko-Diq project that would contribute a lot for the socio-economic development of Balochistan.
He also apprised the Prime Minister about his meeting with the Chief Minister Balochistan and termed it very positive. He expressed his gratitude to the Federal Ministers for Petroleum and Natural Resource and Finance and greatly appreciated their help and cooperation in this regard.
He recalled his recent visit to Balochistan and dispelled the media perceptions about the law and order situation prevailing in Balochistan.
He further informed the Prime Minister that the security situation in Balochistan is very congenial and people of the area are friendly and cooperative.
Mr. Andronico Luksic said that he would like to invite the Chief Minister of Balochistan and the Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources to Chile for exploring the possibilities of cooperation in the mineral exploration sector.
Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Finance Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh and Chairman, Board of Investment Saleem H. Mandviwala were also present during the meeting.