LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Sardar Usman Buzdar on Tuesday said there are tremendous business opportunities and a potential of investment in Pakistan, especially in different sectors of Punjab, and Japan too can utilise them.
Speaking during a meeting with Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Takashi Kurai, the chief minister said a conducive atmosphere is being provided for investment and as a result, the interest of foreign investors has been increased in Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, due to favourable policies of the government.
“The potential sectors of the province include healthcare, education, energy production and provision of clean drinking water,” he said and added Japan can take full benefit of the new opportunities.
“It [Japan] has played an important role in the national development of Pakistan and welfare of the common people are the prime focus of the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.”
CM Buzdar said that different opportunities of investment are available in almost all sectors of Punjab and the law and order situation is also satisfactory. Best facilities will be provided to foreign investors and it is the best time to give a new dimension to our friendship with Japan, he added.
“The Japanese nation has progressed by dint of hard work and I am a great admirer of that,” the chief minister said.
He further stated that the science and technology sector will be moved forward in Punjab by learning from rapid progress made by Japan. “We will also benefit from Japanese expertise as innovative reforms are being introduced in new Pakistan.”
The chief minister also commended Japanese cooperation in improving civic amenities, healthcare and education sectors.
Discussing the expansion of cooperation in different sectors, the Japanese envoy assured to promote cooperation with the province of Punjab in irrigation, clean drinking water as well as technical and vocational education.
Kurai said that there is a need to transform Pakistan-Japan relations into strong economic ties and Japan is willing to further promote its relations with Islamabad.
“Economic relations between Pakistan and Japan will further be enhanced in the days to come and steps will be taken to promote investments between Punjab and Osaka,” he said while also extending felicitations to CM Buzdar on his success in the general elections and subsequent election as the chief minister.
Planning and Development (P&D) chairman, Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) chief executive officer, CM’s spokesperson and other high officials were also present on the occasion.
