Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that a conducive atmosphere for investment has been created in the province and all out encouragement is being extended to local and foreign investors. He said that foreign investment is of vital importance for national development, therefore, a special economic zone will be set up for foreign investors.
He was presiding over a high level meeting regarding establishment of a special economic zone, at Chief Minister's Secretariat, here Thursday. Chairman Planning and Development, Secretary Industries, Secretary Trade and Investment, Member Colonies, Chairman Special Initiatives and other officers concerned were present.
The Chief Minister said that promotion of investment was a dire need for rapid development of the province and elimination of poverty and unemployment, hence Punjab government had evolved a comprehensive strategy for this purpose. He said that Punjab Investment Board comprising experts in different fields from private sector was providing all out facilities to foreign investors.
He said that Punjab was rich in natural resources that could be exploited for achieving self-reliance as well as progress and prosperity of the country. He said that the measures taken by the government for the promotion of investment have yielded encouraging results and investment opportunities in various sectors had increased.
He said that China is a trusted friend of Pakistan and is playing an important role in its development. He said that Punjab government would set up a special economic zone for Chinese investors in the province that would leave a positive impact on the economy of the province as well as the country. Various proposals for setting up special economic zone were also considered in detail during the meeting.