CPEC: UAE expresses interest in SEZs investment

Islamabad: United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed interest in investment in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs).

Prince Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook al Maktoum, Chairman of Hayat Bio-Tech and a member of the ruling family of the UAE, alongwith a delegation called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad to discuss the opportunities.

Welcoming the delegation, the Prime Minister said that the brotherly relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates are deep rooted in history. He underlined that Pakistan attaches great importance to further expanding brotherly ties with the UAE in diverse fields including trade and investment.

The Prime Minister welcomed the keen interest of Hayat Bio-Tech to invest in Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector, especially in vaccine manufacturing.

He also invited the visiting delegation to invest in the renewable energy sector and assured that foreign investors will be provided all possible facilitation.

Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook al Maktoum said they are aware of huge investment potential of Pakistan and UAE was looking forward to further expanding its footprint in the energy and health sectors.

He expressed keen desire to further expand UAE’s investment portfolio in Pakistan.

The dignitary also briefed the Prime Minister about their ongoing 1200 MW power plant project undertaken in collaboration with the Government of Sindh which would be a hybrid power plant of solar and wind energy.

The UAE delegation acknowledged that the CPEC SEZs offered great opportunities for investment. They also appreciated the Pakistani government’s involvement policies.

Federal Minister for Finance Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for National Health Services Abdul Qadir Patel and senior officials of the concerned government departments also attended the meeting.