A representative delegation of the German Parliament called on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday.
The delegation was headed by Chairperson of Parliamentary Committee on Economic Cooperation & Development Dagmar G. Wohrl. German Ambassador Cyrill Nunn was also present on the occasion. Matters of mutual interest, strengthening of bilateral relations and promotion of cooperation between the two countries in various sectors were discussed in the meeting. The CM offered the German delegation to make an investment in a 1,000-megawatts solar power project in Punjab. The delegation expressed keen interest in the proposal.
Talking to the German delegation, the CM said that there are strong friendly and trade relations between Pakistan and Germany and Germany is a big trade partner. He said that Germany played an important role in the grant of GSP Plus status to Pakistan, which has resulted in an increase in Pakistan’s exports in the textile and garments sector. However, he said, there is a need to promote economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Shahbaz Sharif said that Germany has made tremendous progress in every sector especially in the field of technology. He said that Punjab government has completed a 100-megawatts solar power project with its own resources at Quaid-a-Azam Solar Park Bahawalpur in a record period and it has started energy production as well. He said that services of a German consultant were acquired for the solar project, while solar panels had been provided by China.
The CM said that the government was looking into setting up gas-based powerhouses of 3.600 megawatts electricity. The services of a German company have been acquired for this purpose. He said that a 1200 megawatts gas-based power project is being set up by Punjab government with its resources while the federal government will establish energy projects of up to 2400 megawatts.
Referring to the sacrifices made by Pakistan in the war against terrorism, the CM said that besides the energy crisis, Pakistan is also facing the challenge of terrorism and extremism. He said that officers and jawans of the armed forces, police, common citizens and people of all segments of the society have rendered supreme sacrifices in the war against terrorism, and more than 50,000 Pakistanis have lost their lives in this war.
