LAHORE: Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that there are strong brotherly and historical relations between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the bilateral ties can be further expanded by promoting economic cooperation.
A delegation of Saudi investors met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here today.
The delegation comprising office-bearers of Pak-Saudi Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry was led by Vice-Chairman Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mazen Mohammad Batterjee. The delegation expressed its keen interest in investment in agriculture, livestock and energy sectors.
Talking to the delegation, the Punjab CM said that the fraternal and friendly ties between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia cannot be described in words.
The Chief Minister said that there is a vast scope of investment in agriculture, livestock and other sectors in Punjab and Saudi investors can benefit from these investment opportunities.
He said that Pakistan is one of the biggest countries with regard to its livestock production.
Shahbaz Sharif further said that energy crisis has badly affected every sector of life, however, the government is paying due attention to the early completion of power projects.
He said that federal and Punjab government have evolved a programme to set up gas-based power projects of 3600 megawatts in the province.
He said that Saudi investors can make investment in energy sector.
The Chief Minister said that all projects are being completed transparently and speedily while a high standard is also being maintained.
He said that a delegation from Punjab representing energy, agriculture and livestock sectors will soon visit Saudi Arabia.
Chairman Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mazen Mohammad Batterjee said that exchange of delegations of investors between Punjab and Jeddah can be very useful.
He also expressed desire to invest in various sectors in Punjab. He said there is a need for effective measures for the promotion of bilateral cooperation in agriculture, livestock, energy and other sectors. Provincial Minister for Industry Ch Muhammad Shafiq, Advisor on Health Kh. Salman Rafiq, President Chamber of Commerce and Industry Lahore, Secretaries of Health and Higher Education departments as well as concerned officers were also present on the occasion.
