LAHORE: Inviting the Nigerian investors to invest in Punjab, Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar said on Wednesday that work has been started on 12 special economic zones in three years while the industrialization process has been started in eight new special economic zones.
During a meeting with High Commissioner of Nigeria Abioye Mohammed Bello, here today, both agreed to promote bilateral cooperation in different sectors including agriculture, IT, tourism, textile, sports goods and pharmaceutical industry.
The CM pointed out that a number of opportunities were available to further expand trade relations between Pakistan and Nigeria. The exchange of trade delegations will further promote economic ties and the investors of both countries will be mutually benefited due to the expansion in the volume of bilateral trade, he noted.
A facilitation centre has been established at the office of CM Punjab to ensure ease for local and foreign investors and it is noteworthy that a conducive atmosphere was provided for investment, he said, adding: “Direct access was provided to investors to concerned high government officials through the facilitation centre and a zero NOC policy was being introduced to enter the province into a new arena of investment.”
The Nigerian High Commissioner appreciated the steps taken by CM led Punjab government to facilitate the investors adding that the efforts of the CM are praiseworthy. We want to promote cooperation with Punjab in different sectors, he added.
Moreover, talking to Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmad, the CM said everyone sanely acted for an amicable resolution of the issue which is a collective victory for all of us. The PTI-led government has always preferred national interest but the opposition acted against the interest of the country, he deplored.
The situation was being improved and things will be further refined as the law and order situation was better in the province, he added.
Sh Rashid expressed the satisfaction that the issue has been settled amicably due to the wise approach of PM Imran Khan.
The law and order situation was satisfactory in Punjab and other areas of the country but the opposition was engaged in its usual negative politics to serve its negative agenda, he added.
Furthermore, the CM Usman Buzdar will chair the 49th meeting of the provincial cabinet to deliberate on 45 point agenda on Thursday (today). Ministers, special assistants, advisors, chief secretary, IG police and administrative secretaries will attend the meeting.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2021