Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, has said that government has created a conducive atmosphere for investment in the province and maximum facilities are being offered to investors. He said that a vibrant and autonomous investment board has also been established and experts in various sectors have been given representation.
He was talking to President Coca Cola International Operation Huseyin Akin and President Middle East and Pakistan Region Ronald W Jones who called on him at Chief Minister's Secretariat, here on Wednesday. Vice Chairman Punjab Investment Board Pir Saad Ahsanuddin, Secretary Advisory Council, Kh Haroon and Secretary Commerce were also present on the occasion.
The chief minister said that Pakistan has vast natural resources, which could be developed for national prosperity and shedding reliance on foreign aid. He said that there is a wide scope of investment in different sectors in Punjab, and government has adopted a comprehensive strategy in this regard. He said that no solid effort was made in the past for development of natural resources due to which Pakistan is legging far behind developed nations.
He said that in the 80s Pakistan's exports were higher than Turkey but now the volume of exports of Turkey is 136 billion dollars whereas Pakistani exports are only about 19 billion dollars. He said that Pakistani nation will also have to display a spirit of commitment, dedication and hard work for making speedy progress.
He said that huge foreign exchange can be earned through export of agri products and Halal meat to Malaysia, Middle East and other countries and negotiations are being held with different countries for this purpose. He said that Coca Cola can also launch joint venture in fresh juice and French fries as high quality potato is available in Punjab. He said that Punjab government will extend all out facilities to Coca Cola for investment in the province.
President Coca Cola International Operation Huseyin Akin said that Coca Cola International will consider further investment in Punjab. He said that his company is already investing in Punjab and working on the project of setting up a state-of-the-art plant in Multan. He appreciated the measures taken by chief minister Punjab for promotion of investment of the province and said that he would soon submit proposals regarding investment in the projects of fresh juice and French fries in Punjab.
Punjab Chief Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated the 3-day 966th annual Urs celebrations of Syed Ali Bin Usman popularly known as Hazrat Data Gunj Baksh Ali Hajvari (R.A) by performing Chadar Poshi of the Mazar. Special prayers for the progress and prosperity of the country and unity of Muslims were also offered on this occasion.
Chairman Religious Affairs Committee, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Minister for Law Rana Sana Ullah Khan, Minister for Auqaf, Ehsanuddin Qureshi, Minister for Excise and Taxation, Mian Mujtaba Shuja- ur-Rehman, Members National and Provincial Assemblies and senior officers were also present on the occasion. Later, the chief minister inaugurated a Sabeel which will continue for three days for the benefit of devotees.