ISLAMABAD, July 7 (Alliance News): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday invited the Etisalat Group to further expand its investment in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy, assuring the delegation that the government would extend full support and provide all necessary facilities to foreign investors.
The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with a five-member delegation of the UAE-based telecommunications giant Etisalat Group, led by its Chief Executive Officer Hatem Dowidar, the PM Office Media Wing stated in a press release.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, Minister for IT Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and other senior officials from relevant ministries and departments.
During the discussion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored the deep-rooted and brotherly ties between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, which he said were anchored in shared culture, religious values, and mutual respect.
He highlighted that UAE companies had been investing in Pakistan for many years, contributing significantly to the country’s economic development.
“The Government of Pakistan is committed to ensuring a business-friendly environment and offering attractive opportunities for foreign investors, including UAE-based firms like Etisalat,” the prime minister said.
He noted that foreign direct investment was a central pillar of the country’s economic revival strategy.
Etisalat CEO Hatem Dowidar praised Pakistan’s current investment climate, crediting the prime minister and his team for their pro-business policies that have enhanced investor confidence and created a more favorable environment for international companies.
Dowidar informed the prime minister that Etisalat has been operating in Pakistan for the last 19 years and considers the country a key market. “Over 10,000 Pakistanis are currently employed by Etisalat, and we are committed to strengthening our presence and expanding long-term investment in Pakistan,” he said.
He reaffirmed the group’s intent to explore additional investment avenues in Pakistan’s telecom and digital infrastructure sectors, highlighting the country’s growing consumer base and potential for tech-driven growth.
The Prime Minister welcomed Etisalat’s interest in further investment and assured the delegation of full cooperation from all government departments to facilitate their expansion plans.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing to maintain regular engagement to explore new opportunities for collaboration, particularly in the fields of technology, digital connectivity, and innovation.
