Talking to newsmen after inaugurating 'Business Support Centre' and 'Legal Services Cell' here on Saturday, he said that the fertiliser policy announced in 2001 needed review, "and we would make it more attractive" for investors. "We are facing shortage of fertilisers, and if the government imports fertilisers, it would have to face the burden of the subsidy to keep the prices at local level," he added.
He said that the government was working out a plan to revive Pak-China Fertiliser Factory. In this regard, a presentation would be held on August 13. Similarly, he said, the government would be carrying out BMR of Pak-Arab Fertiliser. A plant of fertilisers, with capacity of 860,000 tonnes would be set up on dedicated gas pipeline somewhere between Rahimyar Khan and Sukkur by a group of investors from Abu-Dhabi.
About privatisation of Pak-Arab Fertiliser, he said that the government would not oppose privatisation but would support 'good privatisation'. He said that the Ministry had organised all institutions under its ambit in a way that units running in losses are now earning profit.
Regarding life attempt on Finance Minister Shaukat Aziz, he said that elements behind this conspiracy are bent upon to destabilise Pakistan. He, however, said that the government would continue its efforts to eliminate terrorism.
Talking about smuggling and under-invoicing, he said that he considers both as 'cancer' for local industry. "Apart from steps taken by the government, we must also bring change in our attitudes," he added.
Giving the details of second 'Business Support Centre' opened by him at Lahore, Jatoi said that it aims at facilitating foreign and local investors as well as overseas Pakistanis. He said that the first such centre was established in Karachi and another one would soon be inaugurated at Islamabad, which had already started functioning informally.
He said that these centres are one-stop offices to assist the potential investors by providing them information on government rules & regulation, sectoral information, investment opportunities etc. These centres are also providing facilities of telephone, fax, internet, computers and temporary space, free of cost.
Jatoi said that during last one year Karachi and Islamabad centres handled 258 inquiries, which included 96 inquiries from overseas Pakistanis, 40 from foreign investors and 122 from local investors.
Regarding 'Legal Services Cell' he said that a panel of lawyers would be constituted which would assist SMEs in cases relating to taxation, trade, industry, labour laws, intellectual property rights, banking laws and local government.