Vast investment opportunities in agriculture sector available: CM

[Lahore_Real_Estate]

* Shahbaz says huge foreign exchange could be earned by exporting vegetables and fruits

* Norwegian traders should consider extending cooperation in housing sector

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said vast opportunities of investment in agriculture, livestock, dairy products, energy and various other sectors are available in Punjab. He said that the government had created a favourable atmosphere for investment in the province and all possible facilities were being provided to businessmen. He said that Norwegian businessmen could invest in agri-products, livestock and energy sectors and joint ventures could be launched for this purpose.

He was talking to a delegation of businessmen of Norway led by Oslo city Council Member Aamir Javed Sheikh, on Saturday. Provincial Minister for Excise Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, Member National Assembly Pervaiz Malik, Punjab Investment Board Vice Chairman Rizwanullah Khan and Planning and Development secretary were also present.

The chief minister said that Pakistan was facing security problems, which had left negative impacts on the national economy. He said that despite all those problems, Pakistan was fully determined and united in the war against terrorism. “We will, InshAllah, put the country on the road to progress by making it a haven of peace with the power of unity,” he said. He said that the Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive strategy for the promotion of industries, agriculture, livestock and trade activities in the province as vast opportunities of investment were available in these sectors. He said that Norwegian businessmen’s visit to Pakistan was a good omen as they might consider investment prospects in Pakistan. He said that agriculture was the backbone of the economy of the country.

He said that huge foreign exchange could be earned by exporting vegetables, fruits and other agricultural products. He said that the Norwegian businessmen should discuss strategies for enhancing agri-products’ exports with government officers concerned. He said that the Punjab government was also working on the Aashiyana Housing Project for providing homes to low-income people and this project was being executed through the Punjab Land Development Company (PLDC). The chief minister said that the Norwegian businessmen should also consider the possibility of extending cooperation in this sector. The CM said that a meeting should be held between the Norwegian businessmen and PLDC chairman, in which a briefing be given to them with regard to the low-cost housing scheme “Aashiyana” in Punjab. Appreciating the spirit of cooperation by the Norwegian businessmen in rehabilitation of flood victims, he said that a visit of the delegation to the flood-affected areas be arranged.