MUHAMMAD SALEEM

LAHORE: The newly appointed British High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr Christain Turner in his meeting with Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar, here on Monday said that the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) is a wonderful project and the option of extending cooperation in this regard would be examined.

“Pakistan has a wonderful historical heritage and assistance will be provided to Punjab government in the tourism sector as well, while assistance to the Punjab government will continue for the betterment of social sectors,” Dr Christain Turner said, adding: “There is a lot of potential to enhance the bilateral cooperation; we want to further promote economic ties with Pakistan.”

He said, “It is my first visit to Lahore which is a wonderful city and I desire that England cricket team should tour Pakistan soon.” He also invited Chief Minister Punjab to attend birthday ceremony of Queen of England.

During the meeting, both agreed to enhance cooperation in health, education, skills development, and tourism and industries sectors.

Congratulating Dr Christain Turner on assuming this responsibility, the CM Buzdar said that Pakistan and England are partners in the journey of development and added that the provincial government appreciates England’s cooperation for improving health, education and other sectors in the province.

He added that 10 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) are being established in Punjab and the foundation stone of SEZ in Lahore will be laid soon.

He said that SEZs have tremendous investment opportunities and British investors are invited to invest in these special economic zones where they will be provided with every required facility.

He said investors are provided with different facilities and a lot of work has also been done for the promotion of tourism. Punjab has a lot of potential for religious tourism, he added.

The CM said that result-oriented strategy has been evolved for the durable development of social sectors.

Head of DFID Lahore Jinal Shah, Advisor Dr Salman Shah, Mussarat Jamshed Cheema MPA, Chairman P&D and others were also present on this occasion.