Pakistan assures Ivanhoe Mines of full facilitation in minerals sector
Ivanhoe Mines will receive full facilitation through the Special Investment Facilitation Council, the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured full facilitation to Ivanhoe Mines in Islamabad on Friday, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported.
Sharif gave the assurance while meeting Robert Friedland, founder and executive co-chairman of Ivanhoe Mines, who called on him with a delegation.
The prime minister said the government is determined to work with international partners to tap the country's mineral potential for economic growth and public prosperity.
He said Pakistan is rich in mineral resources, including large reserves of copper, gold and other critical minerals.
Sharif welcomed the company's interest in Pakistan's mineral sector and its cooperation with local partners.
He described the exchange of memoranda of understanding during the Pakistan Minerals Investment Forum as a positive development.
Sharif said Pakistan's recognition as a preferred destination for mineral investment reflects growing confidence among international investors in the country's potential and investment climate.
He said creating a conducive environment for mineral investment is among the government's top priorities.
The visiting delegation praised the prime minister's leadership, his efforts for regional peace and stability, and the government's economic reforms.
The Special Investment Facilitation Council, or SIFC, is a government body set up to fast-track investment projects and remove obstacles for investors in Pakistan.
Ivanhoe Mines is a Canadian mining company best known for its copper operations in Africa, and Friedland co-founded the firm.
