Tata keen on Pakistan foray

Corporate giant Tatas announced on Wednesday that it would explore investment opportunities in Pakistan in areas like automobiles, hotels and software, saying a synergy between the neighbouring countries would be beneficial for the region.

"It is an opportunity that we have. We will be very happy to play a role in that area," Tata group chairman Ratan

Tata, who is in Geneva to participate in the Geneva Motor Show, told PTI in an interview.

Tata, who met Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz in February as part of his exploratory mission to Islamabad for expanding business and investment in SAARC countries, said, "We are waiting for the two governments to agree on a protocol which I am sure will happen in course of time."

Tata Group was waiting for the two governments to come out with a concrete plan on this front (trade and investment), he said.

Stating that a synergy between India, Pakistan and Bangladesh on the economic front would be beneficial for the region, he exuded confidence that the region would be really strengthened if these three countries could work together on trade and commerce.

On the sectors, which it planned to enter, Tata said opportunities existed in various sectors, including software, automobiles, hotel and basic agricultural products like fertilisers.

Tata debunked reports of his group having a rethink on its proposed two $2 billion investment in Bangladesh due to volatile political situation, saying there was no question of shelving the mega plan.

"We have never looked at withdrawing. There has never been an issue of any kind of second thoughts," he said.

The investments were very much on the agenda and the company was in the process of doing a detailed study, which was likely to be completed by March.