ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has hailed Hutchison Port Holdings, one of the world’s largest port companies, for increasing the group’s total investment in Pakistan to one billion dollars.

The company delegation had made the commitment during a meeting with him in Islamabad on Tuesday.

PM Imran was briefed about the development of Hutchison Port Holdings, its parent company CK Hutchison Holdings, and the group’s commitment to play a pivotal role in facilitating the economic growth of Pakistan.

Khan has reiterated government commitment to facilitate investment and ease-of-doing-business for economic growth and employment generation.

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Group Managing Director Eric apprised the prime minister of Hutchison Port Holdings’ fresh investment into Pakistan approximating 240 million dollars that will increase group’s total investment in Pakistan to one billion dollars, which was welcomed by him.

The PM was relayed that this investment will also grow Hutchison employees to 3,000 people.

It will also support development of Karachi Port into a major hub for trade in Asia.

Hutchison Port Holdings has over 30,000 employees, operating 52 ports and terminals in 27 countries spanning Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, the Americas and Australia. The company is headquartered in Hong Kong.

Pakistan attractive destination for foreign investors

Speaking at a function in Islamabad on Wednesday, President Dr Arif Alvi said Pakistan had become an attractive destination in the region for foreign investors with a lot of investment opportunities in diverse areas of trade and industry.

He said Imran Khan was committed to the cause of poverty alleviation which would help check the growing disparity between the rich and the poor, and to provide equal opportunities to all segments.

The president, however, said it was not responsibility of the state alone to ensure welfare of the poor but also the large business groups that could contribute and play their part in this respect. 

While talking about the ongoing visit of British Royal couple, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and Kate Middleton to Pakistan, he said such high levels visits were very helpful in improving bilateral relations.