CM commends Japan's help in social sectors

Informs ambassador about investment incentives

LAHORE:

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has commended Japan's cooperation with the Punjab government in improving the education, health and civic facilities in the province.

"Pakistan and Japan are interested in increasing bilateral trade volume," she said during meeting with Japanese Ambassador to Pakistan Mitsuhiro Wada along with Pakistan Muslim League-N President Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

"We are determined to expand the excellent relations between Pakistan and Japan," the PML-N president said during the meeting held to discuss matters of mutual interest, promotion of bilateral ties and increasing cooperation in various fields. He added, "Japan stands out in the world for its hard work and dedication."

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Punjab has great investment potential in the education, health, energy and other sectors. We are giving a favourable environment and incentives for investment in the province."

Japanese Ambassador Mitsuhiro Wada said, "We want to promote relations with Pakistan."

Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Special Assistant Rashid Nasrullah, Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, Principal Secretary to CM Sajid Zafar Daal and other relevant officers were also present.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has formed a 26-member steering committee for promoting and developing tourism in Punjab. Senator Pervaiz Rashid has been nominated for the Chief Minister's Steering Committee on Tourism Promotion and Development in Punjab, while Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb will act as its Convener.

The committee includes Information and Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bokhari, Works and Communications Minister Soheb Ahmed Malik, Transport Minister Bilal Akbar and MNA Afzal Khokhar. Other members the chairman of planning and development, secretaries of finance, tourism, works, information, P&D, forests, environment protection and transport along with senior officials of other relevant departments. According to a notification, the committee will work to approve and implement plans for tourism promotion.