Denmark’s FLSmidth keen to invest in mining sector

Celina Ali

Islamabad: A Danish multinational firm, FLSmidth, this week expressed its interest in investing in Pakistan’s mining industry.

FLSmidth, which provides the global mining and cement industries with equipment and services, expressed interest during a meeting of a Danish business group, led by Denmark’s Ambassador Jakob Linulf, with Pakistani ministers for finance, commerce, petroleum, and privatization in Islamabad.

Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan said Denmark was an important business partner of Pakistan and Danish cooperation in Pakistan’s mining sector and bilateral business activities would strengthen the Pakistani economy, the state-run Radio Pakistan broadcaster reported.

“CEO of FLSmidth, Mikko Keto, said they will move forward with actionable suggestions and profitable projects in the mining industry,” an official report read.

Since avoiding a default last year, Pakistan has been trying to boost trade and foreign investment to revive its fragile $350 billion economy. There has been a flurry of visits, investment talks and economic activity between Pakistan, China, and Central Asian and Gulf states in recent months.

During the meeting, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb assured the Danish businessmen of every possible facilitation with regard to investment in Pakistan, according to Radio Pakistan.

“The government wants to promote business activities with the support of private sector,” Privatization Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said, describing possible Danish investment as “encouraging.”