Development projects: chief minister Punjab, ADB official discuss Implementation

Country Director Asian Development Bank (ADB) Werner Lipach met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif here on Friday and discussed matters regarding implementation of various projects in Punjab with the co-operation of ADB. Chairman Planning and Development and Secretary Finance were also present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister expressed his best wishes to the Country Director of ADB on assuming his new assignments in Pakistan and expressed the hope that his appointment will further promote co-operation between Pakistan and ADB. Commending the co-operation of ADB in various projects, the Chief Minister said that timely and transparent completion of development schemes is the top priority of Punjab government and this policy is being strictly implemented.
He said that Pakistan is facing serious energy crisis which is leaving a negative impact on its economy. He said that work on various projects of power generation from alternative sources is in progress and the policy for generation of energy from begasse is being given a final shape. He said that power generation from begasse is the cheapest source of generation of electricity after hydropower.
He said that work on projects of power generation from coal is also in progress while small hydropower projects with the co-operation of ADB will also be taken in hand shortly. He said that Punjab government has completed Northern Loop of Lahore Ring Road while Southern Loop is still to be completed. He said that the Country Director should consider co-operation in the construction of the Southern Loop of Lahore Ring Road and Secretary Communication and Works should give a detailed briefing to him regarding the project.
Country Director ADB Werner Lipach said that Punjab is the biggest province of Pakistan and various projects are being completed with the co-operation of ADB in Punjab.