He was talking to media after a meeting with American trade delegation headed by Elizabeth Little who called on him in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The finance minister said that during the meeting both sides were agreed to resume talks over bilateral investment Trade (BIT) that were delayed last year and today we have agreed to resolve all issues pertaining to BIT. Ishaq Dar said that security is our main issue and government is trying to bring all
political parties on one platform.
He said that our top priority is to settle the current energy crises in the country and therefore we have cleared circular debt. Answering to a question Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said that Pakistan has great potential in different sectors and we have received good response from the international community. He said that we have developed travel advisory that will assist to boost commercial activities and facilitate the investment between the US and Pakistan.
The Minister said the US delegation expressed willingness to invest in bio-energy sector in Pakistan to overcome power crisis. He said transfer of technology is major impediment in the way of bilateral cooperation between both countries.
He said Pakistan is an attractive country for investment. He said resolving energy crisis of the country is PML-N government's first priority. He said we want to promote trade with open mind. He said PML-N government is committed to revive the economy.
Ishaq Dar also said Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif is endeavoring to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan.
Elizabeth L. Littlefield, President Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) said that US is working in energy sector of Pakistan and in coming few years US will provide assistance to Pakistan in Bio gas, Bio energy and wind energy projects. In this regard a project of 50 megawatt of wind energy will be operational during next year while certain other projects will be initiated in coming few years.
Ms Elizabeth said that in recent years trade volume between two countries swelled from 100 million dollars to 300 million dollars thorough Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) adding that, there are problems for foreign investment in Pakistan however government of Pakistan seems committed to address all those issues and soon it will be settled.
Despite several challenges, Pakistan is ideal country for investment and US investors will do investment in health education and energy sector of the country, Elizabeth added.
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