LAHORE: Ambassador of Italy in Pakistan Stefano Pontecorvo has held a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, here.
Both the ambassador and the chief minister discussed the matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Italy and cooperation in agriculture, industry and various other sectors of the economy. The Italian Ambassador and heads of investment companies appreciated the steps taken by Shahbaz Sharif for providing a conducive atmosphere for industries in Punjab. They said that they are very impressed to see an excellent climate in the province and expressed their willingness to cooperate with the provincial government in different sectors.
The chief minister said that situation in Pakistan has substantially improved under the leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and economic indicators are better due to which the confidence of investors has been restored. He said that the government is paying attention through speedy implementation of energy projects and thousands of megawatt electricity will be added to national grid by the end of next year. Shehbaz Sharif said that there are strong friendly relations with Italy and Pakistan and time has come to take practical measures to transform these ties into trade and economic contacts.
He said that facilities are being provided to foreign investors in Punjab on priority basis. He said that the work will be carried out with mutual coordination for strengthening relations between Italy and Punjab. He said that there is a need of further promotion of ties between Pakistan and Italy and maximum exchange of delegations between the two countries is necessary for this purpose. Italian Ambassador while speaking on the occasion said that situation in Pakistan has considerably improved under the leadership of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and confidence of foreign investors has been restored. He said that Italy wants to cooperate with Pakistan especially with Punjab in different sectors and will benefit from the facilities provided by Punjab government for investment in the province. Provincial Ministers Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Muhammad Shafiq, Chairman Punjab Investment Board and concerned officers were present on the occasion. The Italian delegation included heads of investment companies.
