Invites Chinese investors to tap conducive environment in Punjab
Staff Reporter
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Thursday said that the Punjab government is grateful to Chinese government for extending cooperation on CPEC projects in the province, saying that Pakistan-China relations are touching new heights in the tenure of PM Imran Khan.
Chief Minister Usman Buzdar was addressing the joint cooperation committee meeting through video link under CPEC Authority on Thursday.
The CM thanked the Chinese government for cooperation with the Punjab government and stated that completion of CPEC projects in Punjab will give further impetus to Pakistan-China relations.
“Punjab has highest share in national GDP”, he pointed out and invited the Chinese investors as conducive environment is provided in the province.
The Chinese investors will be provided every facility for setting up industry and special incentives will be provided to them”, he declared.
While giving updates about CPEC related projects in the province, the CM informed the participants that special economic zone Allama Iqbal Industrial City has been operationalised in Faisalabad.
“As many as 1,050 acres of land is earmarked for China zone at the economic zone while land lease policy is being given final shape for the benefit for Chinese investors,” the CM disclosed.
He announced to welcome Chinese assistance for establishing Pak zones free from foot and mouth disease of animals in Punjab and pointed out that agriculture sector has a lot of growth potential in CPEC phase-II.
He thanked the experts assisting in social economic projects which were shared with Chinese experts’ team for their feedback.
Though the last one and a half year’s period has proved very tough for Pakistan and global economies, the Punjab government has made significant progress in completing ongoing CPEC related projects, the CM claimed and divulged that new project proposals relating to agriculture, livestock, water reservoirs and infrastructure development have been devised and would be presented before next joint working group meeting for approval.
The CM observed that agriculture would be promoted in Punjab by constructing dams and canals at different areas.
It is planned to construct dams in Vohwa, Sanghar and Chachar hill-torrents, he stated and added that a new canal is being planned in Rahim Yar Khan to irrigate Cholistan desert. Similarly, 135-megawatt Taunsa Hydropower Project is leading CPEC energy projects and this would be a best decision to put it in the priority list of CPEC energy project, concluded the CM.
Meanwhile, CM Usman Buzdar felicitated the people and government of Saudi Arabia on the national day of the Kingdom.
In a message, the CM extended the heartiest congratulations to the Saudi King, Crown Prince and the royal family adding that Saudi Arabia has witnessed a spate of developments and prosperity under its leadership.
The strong Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations are an example for the world while KSA is the locus of Muslims’ reverence and spiritual attachment.
On the other hand, CM Usman Buzdar said Pakhtuns are brave and strong people while the Pakhtuns culture enjoys the traits of diversity and individuality to give added blend of beauty to this culture.
In his message, the CM said the Pakhtun culture is ancient and very convincing. It also beautifully reflects multiple shades of Pakistani culture.
Meanwhile, CM Usman Buzdar directed the cabinet committee, as well as line departments, to effectively work for the eradication of the dengue virus and made it clear that field teams’ performance will be constantly reviewed.
On the other hand, MPA Khurram Laghari called on CM Usman Buzdar and expressed his complete confidence in his leadership. Khurram Laghari said that the CM always gives respect to the people. He apprised the chief minister about the problem of his constituency on which Usman Buzdar assured him early redressal of his problems.
