ISLAMABAD( WNAM REPORT): Governor Gilgit-Baltistan, Ambassadors, and business leaders have declared internal and external investment as essential for the promotion of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan and explore the new potential of indigenous culture of Pakistan.
they said that Gilgit Balitsan is the Jewel of Pakistan, where there is full potential of all major forms of tourism including traditional agriculture, medical and cultural tourism, which can attract the foreign tourists.
Addressing the Pre- Tourism summit session and luncheon hosted, by President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI), Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari, Governor Gilgit-Baltistan, Syed Mehdi Shah said that the promotion of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan is the top priority of the provincial government and Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry has taken an pivotal step in the Gilgit-Baltistan region by organizing the Tourism Summit.
Governor GB said that Islamabad Chamber of Commerce President Ahsan Bakhtawari is a young and dynamic business leader whose efforts for this region will always be remembered.
He said that last year a direct flight started from Dubai to Pakistan, which should now also start from China, Iran, Azerbaijan and Central Asian states.
The European Union Ambassador, Dr Riina Kionka said that the European Union is committed to start many projects for the promotion of tourism and energy in GB.
The Ambassador said that Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most famous regions of Pakistan for tourism, which has its own indigenous culture, which can create a soft image of Pakistan in front of the world.
She said that by increasing tourism facilities in Gilgit-Baltistan, this region can be made a center of international tourism.
The ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan , Dr. Ihab Abdel Hamid Hasan praised the steps taken by Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry for the promotion of tourism in Pakistan and said that Gilgit-Baltistan is one of the most beautiful regions of the world. He said that he is working for the VISA on arrival for the business community in Pakistan, which will strengthen the economic relations between the two countries.
Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Pakistan, Khazar Farhadov said that there is a lot of potential in agriculture in Pakistan. He said that Pakistan is a beautiful country and Azerbaijan and Pakistan can do a lot to promote tourism and also enhance the bilateral economic trade ties.
Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Pakistan, Yerzan Kistafan said that he intends to resume direct flights between Kazakhstan and Pakistan to enhance the connectivity between both brotherly countries.
The Ambassador said that the two countries have vast opportunities for cooperation in tourism and other sectors to enhance connectivity.
President Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ahsan Zafar Bakhtawari said that there are vast tourism opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan which need to be explored. He said that there are also ample opportunities in tourism, hydropower, gems and stones and marble for local and foreign investors in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Ahsan said that termed the tourism summit as significant for the promotion of tourism in Gilgit-Baltistan and to explore the new avenues for regional economy. 
Secretary General, United Business Group, (FPCCI) and farmer President ICCI, Zafar Bakhtawari highlighted the dynamics of the tourism potential in GB. He said that Gilgit Baltistan is the most beautiful region of the world where foreign investors should invest in potential areas.
Vice President, FPCCI Ms Quratul Ain said that tourism can change the local economic landscape and contribute to the country’s economy at this the most needed time.
Ambassador of Malaysia to Pakistan, Azher Malan, Ambassador of Myanmar and Ambassador of Yemen were also present on the occasion. Senior trade leader Ajmal Baloch also addressed the ceremony. Diplomats from Libya and Purtugal were also present on the occasion.
