French Ambassador Marc Barety and German Ambassador Bernhard Schlagheck in a joint meeting with the Punjab Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar on Wednesday announced to support the renewal of GSP-Plus status to Pakistan by the European Union (EU).

While talking to media here, Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar said that his meeting with German and French ambassadors was very fruitful, and Pakistan had so far grabbed benefits worth US $ 15 billion from GSP-Plus status. He said, "Foreign investment was increasing in Pakistan and the world is now realizing that there is complete security and peace in Pakistan." He said that provision of all facilities to foreign investors was being ensured.

German and French ambassadors, for the first time, held a joint meeting with the Punjab Governor, during which renewal of GSP-Plus status by next year, investments in Pakistan and other issues came under discussion.

Punjab Governor also thanked the German envoy for highlighting the Kashmir issue by German Chancellor during her visit to India.

Later, Governor Chaudhry Mohammad Sarwar participated in a seminar on 'Prioritizing Human Rights in Pakistan' organized by Punjab Assembly and Democracy Reporting International at a local hotel. On this occasion, the Country Head of Democracy Reporting International Javed Ahmed Malik, Provincial Head Samiya Yousaf, members of Punjab Assembly Ayesha Chaudhry, Saadia Sohail and Khadija Umar and others were also present.

Talking to media on this occasion, the Governor said, "Undoubtedly, foreign investors' confidence was deepening in Pakistan due to effective economic policies of the present government and today, German and French Ambassadors also acknowledged the government policies; both also assured that they will support Pakistan when there will be renewal of GSP-Plus status next year."

The Governor disclosed that foreign investors were also working at a faster pace in Lahore City and there was no such kind of example of in the history. "I am also glade to see that tourism is also promoting in Pakistan and Insha Allah, we can fetch US $ 4-5 billion annually by promoting tourism in Punjab alone," he added.

After Kartarpur Corridor, he said, "We are going to embark upon renovation of holy places of Budhmat, Christians and Hindus and I am sure that Pakistan will advance on it speedily. We will strengthen the country and the nation, and transform Pakistan into a developed and prosperous state in true sense of words."

Copyright Business Recorder, 2019