Punjab govt woos Spanish investment

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that Spain was Pakistan's second-largest export partner within the European Union and boosting bilateral relations, trade and tourism between Spain and Punjab would benefit both sides.

The CM expressed these views during a meeting with a delegation from the Spanish Senate on Monday.

The discussion centred on advancing mutual trade and tourism between Spain and Punjab. Both sides also explored cooperation in the economy, climate change, disaster risk management, and environmental pollution.

"We deeply appreciate Spain's support for achieving GSP Plus status," she said, adding "our friendly ties with Spain are highly valued." Maryam expressed an interest in collaborating with Spain on early warning systems and rescue services to mitigate flood damage and emphasised the intention to enhance parliamentary diplomacy.

"We are turning Punjab into a tourist hub and welcome Spanish investment in this sector," the CM stated.

She noted that a special package is being prepared to encourage foreign investors. Expressing condolences over the recent floods in Valencia, Spain, she offered support for relief, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts and appreciated Spain's relief assistance provided to Pakistan under the flood response plan.

The Spanish delegation commended the leadership of CM Maryam.The delegation also referenced a street named after Allama Iqbal in Cordoba as a symbol of shared cultural heritage.

Separately, Punjab Governor Sardar Saleem Haider Khan met the Spanish parliamentary delegation and underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy to bolster bilateral relations. "Business is very important, but parliamentary diplomacy is even more important," stated Senator Vicente Azpitarte Perez, highlighting that Cordova and Lahore are now sister cities.

During their meeting at the Governor's House on Monday, the delegation discussed enhancing cooperation in commerce, trade, and olive oil production. Governor Khan stressed the significance of more parliamentary exchanges to advance relations, noting that Punjab could greatly benefit from Spain's expertise in energy, tourism, trade, and olive technology.

"Continuity of such bilateral visits will strengthen our friendship," Governor Khan remarked, emphasizing Pakistan's potential for Spanish investment in olive oil research, especially in Chakwal and Attock districts.

He also expressed a desire for collaboration in the textile and energy sectors, presenting Punjab as an attractive opportunity for Spanish investors.

Additional input from APP