ISLAMABAD: Minister for Planning, Development, and Reform Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar said that France was an important development partner of Pakistan and appreciated the role of French Development Agency (AFD) for launching various development initiatives in Pakistan.

The Minister was talking to Ambassador of France, Marc Barety, who along-with Country Director AFD, Jacky Amprou, called on him here Thursday. Secretary Planning Zafar Hasan was also present in the meeting. The Minister said that Pakistan offers attractive investment incentives and France may consider exploring more avenues for investment to the mutual benefit of two countries.

He noted that France has expertise in solar energy production and may look to finance projects in this sector in view of the huge potential that the country offers. The Minister called for bilateral cooperation to boost the tourism sector in Pakistan as well as in up-gradation of the transmission system in view of increased electricity generation in the country. Secretary Zafar Hasan stated that the present government is committed to promoting clean energy production and France may consider funding projects in this regard.

The Ambassador of France apprised that his country is financing projects in different areas including hydropower, urban management, and restoration of heritage sites.  Appreciating the cooperation of the Ministry of Planning, he stated that AFD is also willing to expand the scope of its activities in the future. The Minister assured his Ministry’s cooperation in the completion of ongoing projects funded by AFD.