By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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Today, under the leadership of Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, a significant stride was made in advancing Pakistan’s economic diplomacy through a comprehensive review of international market outreach efforts. The meeting, conducted online, convened Heads of Missions to assess progress and prospects for outsourcing key airports, with a particular focus on Islamabad International Airport.
The Secretary Aviation / DGCAA Saif Anjum reported encouraging progress, noting heightened interest from renowned airport operators in Turkey, Malaysia, UAE, Qatar, Paris, Spain, Germany, Kuwait, UK, and Switzerland. The renewed enthusiasm from foreign investors underscores both the economic stability and confidence in the political climate of Pakistan, says press note.
Emphasizing the pivotal role of economic diplomacy, the session underscored the imperative of bolstering trade and investment ties with foreign nations. The meeting was a testament to the concerted efforts to showcase Pakistan’s potential as an attractive investment destination.
Following this, the 9th Meeting of the Steering Committee on Outsourcing of Airports convened, bringing together key stakeholders from various government agencies. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) presented a progress review, highlighting keen interest from foreign investors in the bidding process for Islamabad International Airport.
Furthermore, discussions centered on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and service delivery benchmarks formulated by international consultants to elevate the quality of services at airports. Government agencies reaffirmed their commitment to uphold and adhere to these benchmarks to ensure a seamless passenger experience.
In conclusion, the Chair urged the IFC to expedite necessary tasks within the stipulated timeframe for the outsourcing of Lahore and Karachi Airports, underscoring the government’s unwavering commitment to modernizing and enhancing airport infrastructure across the country.
