By Shabbir Hussain
LAHORE, Jan 22 (Diplomatic Star): Ambassador of Germany Mr Bernhard Stephan Schlagheck called on Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar at his office on Friday and discussed different matters including the expansion of bilateral cooperation between Germany and Punjab.
Talking on the occasion, CM Usman Buzdar stated that solid steps will be taken to further promote relations as Germany is the best partner of Pakistan. The government will take advantage of German expertise to develop the automobile industry, IT, health and social sector on modern lines. Punjab will take a lead for promotion of cooperation in different sectors as different facilities are provided to the investors under one roof, he added.
The CM asked the German investors to take benefit of tremendous investment opportunities as special incentives were being provided for foreign investment.
All the necessary facilities are provided under one roof in special economic zones being established in different districts, he added. Similarly, the CM further said the construction sector has a lot of potential and five cement factories have been issued NOCs while 12 more NOCs will be issued soon.
The chief minister emphasised that development of less developed areas has been focused and a special package has been given for backward areas of south Punjab.
The establishment of the south Punjab secretariat is an important initiative as the development process has been brought to the doorstep of the common man.
On the other side, the CM pointed out that the government is fully focused on the development of the agriculture sector and the latest technology will be utilised for enhancing cotton production.
The government is working on developing new cottonseed and agricultural credit card scheme is in the offing for farmers. Every citizen will be given health coverage and this program will be completed in the current year, he added.
The PTI government has given priority to improving good governance, service delivery and development of backward areas and the development journey is continuous despite impediments, he added.
German Ambassador said he is happy to visit Punjab and appreciated the CM’s vision for the development of backward areas. German investment companies are interested to invest in different sectors in Punjab and cooperation will be further expanded, he added. Chairman P&D, CEO PBIT and others were also present.
