A delegation of renowned industrialists and economists met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here on Thursday and discussed proposals for promotion of economy and investment, increase in exports and creation of job opportunities. Expressing their views, they said that law and order situation has substantially improved due to efforts of the government while it has also taken splendid measures for strengthening of economy.
Provincial Ministers Raja Ashfaq Sarwar, Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, Secretary Communication and Works, Chairman Planning and Development and secretaries concerned were also present on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that economy has been put on the right direction during the last two and a half years under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
He said there is a dire need for collective efforts for steering the country out of crisis and putting it on the road to progress and prosperity. Investors will have to play an active role for the promotion of industrial sector. South Korea has made rapid progress by benefiting from the five-year plan of Pakistan while we are lagging behind. He said practical measures and efforts for resolving energy crisis, strengthening of economy and promotion of investment are yielding positive results while micro-economic indicators have been improved.
He said there is a dire need for practical steps for strengthening economy, promotion of investment and creation of new job opportunities. The Punjab government has decided to set up Punjab Economic Council for this purpose which will be a permanent institution and its members will formulate and submit practicable recommendations for increasing growth rate, strengthening of economy etc. The chief minister said effective measures are being taken for the capacity-building of institutions and human resource. Pakistan is rich in resources which can be utilised for achieving the goal of self-sufficiency.