President and Chief Executive Officer of a Saudi group associated with energy sector Anwar Aleitani met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif here on Monday. The matters regarding investment in energy and other sectors were discussed in detail in the meeting. The Saudi investment group expressed keen interest in investment in coal and solar-based power generation projects in Punjab, disclosed an official.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said energy crisis being faced by Pakistan is leaving a negative impact on economy as well as education, health, agriculture, industrial and other social sectors. "Industrial and trade activities have also been affected by shortage of electricity. The Punjab government is taking effective measures for overcoming energy shortage as soon as possible and work is being carried out expeditiously on power generation projects," he added.
He said there are deep-rooted brotherly and friendly relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. He also welcomed the interest shown by Saudi group in investment in power sector. He said the Punjab government is providing facilities to foreign investors on priority basis. "Work is being carried out speedily on solar power project in the province while sites have also been identified for establishing small solar projects. Work is also being undertaken expeditiously on generation of power from coal," he added. Saudi Investment Group President Anwar Aleitani said his group wants to invest in energy sector in Punjab.