ISLAMABAD(National Times)-Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday said that Pakistan was taking measures on a priority basis to increase foreign investment in the country, according to a statement by the Prime Minister’s House (PMO).

He made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from Qatar’s Taameer Group, led by its founder Mohammad Al Ali, the PMO said in a statement.

“Qatar is a longstanding friend of Pakistan that has always stood by the country in difficult times,” PM Shehbaz was quoted as saying.

“We are taking measures on a priority basis to increase foreign investment. Obstacles hindering investment have been removed under the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC),” he said.

The premier further said that Pakistan had vast potential for investment in tourism and hospitality, as well as the real estate and construction sectors.

He directed the authorities concerned to “provide facilitation and support to the group” on investment in the country.

The statement went on to say that the company’s founder briefed the meeting about its investments in Pakistan and ongoing projects.

“The group is interested in investing in Pakistan’s hospitality and hotel industry, as well as the real estate and construction sectors, and work on several projects in this regard has already begun,” the statement quoted him as saying.

It stated that he also expressed keen interest in further expanding the group’s investment in Pakistan.

“He lauded the steps being taken under the leadership of PM Shehbaz for the country’s development and for boosting business activity and foreign investment,” it said.

He said that under the prime minister’s leadership, “the government is taking positive measures” through the SIFC to facilitate investors in Pakistan, the statement concluded.