Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said that the government is implementing a comprehensive programme for the promotion of information technology in the province and has introduced good governance through E-government in different sectors which has benefited the masses. He said an international standard IT university would be set up in Lahore soon for providing latest education to the students in different sectors of information technology to meet the demand of IT experts in the country.
He was talking to a four-member delegation led by Zong Chief Executive Officer Fan Yun Jun. Matters regarding development of telecom sector in the province were discussed in the meeting. The CM said the telecom sector had the status of an industry in Pakistan and it was the first country of South Asia which had introduced the system of mobile number portability. He said information technology was the key to success in 21st century and developed nations owe their progress to successful use of computer technology in various sectors of national development. He said new avenues in IT sector were being explored from the platform of Punjab Information Technology Board so that this sector could be developed and expanded for ensuring a prominent status to the country in South Asia. He said Punjab government had set up computer labs in the public sector schools in the province. Similarly, various facilities have been provided to software houses and other computer companies in Arfa IT Park. He said cooperation of world renowned company Microsoft has been acquired for the development of tourism sector in the province.
The CM stressed upon Chinese companies to invest in Punjab which has a wide scope of development and expansion of IT sector. He said investment in IT sector was safe and lucrative. He said Punjab Jiangsu Cultural Center and Punjab China Bureau had been set up for producing experts in Chinese language and strengthening of linguistic and cultural relations between the two countries. He said setting up of these institutions will expand friendly relations between China and Punjab. He said 110-megawatt Taunsa power plant will be set up in Punjab with the cooperation of China.
Jun while speaking on the occasion, said his company was establishing branchless banking and endowment fund for students. He also commended the measures taken by Punjab government for the promotion of information technology and assured full cooperation in this regard.