Pakistan's investment potential was effectively projected at a trade fair in Thailand to highlight vast potential for foreign investment in Pakistan.

According to Pakistan's embassy in Bangkok, during a special seminar at the on-going "BOI Fair" organized by Thailand's Board of

Investment (BOI) here investment opportunities available to the foreign investors were highlighted at the fair.

Presentations by Thai and Pakistani officials and businessmen at the seminar, titled "Investment Opportunities in Pakistan" highlighted the scope for profitable investments in diverse sectors. In his address, Pakistan's Ambassador to Thailand Sohail

Mahmood stressed that Pakistan had the most liberal investment policy framework in the region and several institutions at the federal and provincial levels were working to promote and facilitate foreign direct investment.

He also apprised the participants of the latest positive developments in Pakistan-Thailand trade and investment relations.

Ambassador Sohail Mahmood called upon the business community to recognize Pakistan's myriad strengths and potential; see Pakistan beyond the media headlines; and seize the opportunity now. Speaking on the occasion, Thailand BOI's Deputy Secretary

General Chokdee Kaewsaeng stated that besides attracting inward investments Thailand was also encouraging outward investments that the BOI was targeting South Asian countries including Pakistan in this regard.

The Deputy Secretary General noted that food processing, gems and jewelry, and Halal food were among the sectors with high potential for collaboration between Pakistan and Thailand.

Mr. Chokdee Kaewsaeng reassured the participants of BOI's support inter alia through organizing investment missions as well as providing assistance to prospective investors in their ventures. Senior Representative of the Pakistan Board of Investment

(BOI) Falak Sher Kalas gave a presentation on the investment incentives and highlighted the priority sectors available for foreign investment.

The Adviser on Public Private Partnership, and head of visiting Pakistani delegation, Ghulam Murtaza Satti, provided details of infrastructure projects in different parts of Pakistan to be undertaken on public-private partnership basis.

Representatives of the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) and the Faisalabad Industrial Estate Development and

Management Company highlighted the opportunities in their respective arenas. A leading Thai investor shared his 15 years' experience in

Pakistan and concluded that the country offered attractive opportunities for foreign investors. Participants evinced interest in various sectors and the specific projects highlighted at the Seminar. The presenters provided them additional relevant information.

Those who participated in the well-attended seminar included

senior officials from Thailand's Board of Investment and Ministry of Commerce, representatives of dozens of Thai companies including the CP Group, Nawarat Patnakarn, SCG Group, Malee, and members of the Thai-Pakistan Chamber of Commerce.