LAHORE: High-level French and Norwegian delegations called on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif and discussed matters of mutual interest. Norwegian Ambassador in Pakistan Leif H Larsen discussed matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors with the CM and offered him to provide modern training to Punjab police.
Meanwhile, a high level delegation of prominent French company Total and Sun Power Corporation called on Shahbaz. Sun Power Corporation expressed interest in setting up a 100 megawatts solar project in Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park.
Talking to Norwegian envoy, the chief minister said, there are strong friendly relations between Pakistan and Norway and a large number of overseas Pakistanis are living in Norway. He said that there is a need for strengthening trade relations between the two countries.
He said that Norway has extended commendable cooperation in improving public health facilities and development of different social sectors in Pakistan. He said that Norwegian investors can promote cooperation in hydro projects, agriculture, dairy farming and other sectors.
He also welcomed the offer of training of Punjab police by Norway. Ambassador of Norway Leif H. Larsen said that his country wants to promote relations in different sectors with Pakistan especially Punjab. He said that promotion of trade and economic relations between the two countries is the need of the hour. He said that Punjab has made tremendous progress under the leadership of the chief minister and he is pleased to see the pace of rapid development in the province.
Talking to French delegation, the chief minister said the government was taking all possible measures for resolving the energy crisis being faced by the country. He said a shortage of electricity had badly affected education, health, agriculture and other sectors.
He said solution of energy problem at the earliest was essential for rapid development of the country and promotion of economic and trade activities, therefore, government was making serious efforts in this regard.
He said the Punjab government was setting up Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park over a vast area of 1000 acres in Bahawalpur district of South Punjab and was establishing a 100 megawatts solar project with its own resources which was in the final stages of completion. He welcomed the interest shown by the French company in setting up a 100 megawatts solar power project.
Shahbaz Sharif said that speed and transparency in the implementation of development projects was a hallmark of the Punjab government. He assured that all out facilities will be provided to the French companies.
Total Chief Executive Office Marc Soissong said that his company was deeply interested in establishing a 100 megawatts project at Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park and it will be completed on fast track basis in accordance with the vision of Shahbaz Sharif.
Member National Assembly Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Member Provincial Assembly Makhdoom Hashim Bakht, Chief Executive Officer Quaid-e-Azam Solar Park, CEO Punjab Investment Board and concerned officers were also present.
The French delegation comprised Louis Caillard, Yasmine Wattebled, Laurent Longuet and Saad Khan.
