'Government implementing strategy to promote investment': Punjab chief minister

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that Punjab is rich in natural resources and there are vast opportunities of investment in different sectors; the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy for promotion of local and foreign investment and all out facilities are being offered to investors.
He was addressing a meeting held to review the prospects of co-operation in different sectors between Punjab and Turkey here on Saturday, disclosed an official. Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board, Secretary Industries and senior officers concerned were present.
Shahbaz said special attention is also being paid to the promotion of public-private partnership in the province. He also said the government is taking solid steps for creating a favourable investment climate and provision of facilities to the investors in the province and Punjab Investment Board has also been set up for this purpose.
"There are vast opportunities of foreign investment in agriculture, livestock, energy, education and other sectors, and agreements have been signed with China, Malaysia and Iran in this regard," he added.
According to him, Punjab could earn huge foreign exchange by exporting halal meat and agri-products to Middle East and other countries, and a modern meat processing plant could be set up by utilising latest technology. The goal of rapid progress of the country could be achieved through equipping the youth with the modern skills and Tevta has been re-activated for this purpose. Syllabus of vocational institutions has been harmonised with the demands of the modern age. All projects of investment would be completed in a transparent manner on the pattern of IT labs project, which has been executed with the co-operation of international companies.
He said security situation in the country has adversely affected the process of foreign investment but there is a need for developing local resources and increasing exports through promotion of public-private partnership. "Turkey is a brotherly country of Pakistan and there are deep-rooted historical and cultural relations between the two counties.
It has made remarkable progress in various sectors and Punjab could benefit from its expertise for the uplift of various sectors in the province," he added. Shahbaz directed the Vice Chairman of Investment Board to submit comprehensive recommendations for co-operation between Punjab and Turkey in various sectors.