CM promises job opportunities

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the authorities concerned to take measures for granting interest-free small and medium loans to promote commercial activities in the province.

"We will increase employment opportunities by promoting trade and industry in Punjab," she said.

The chief minister ordered the introduction of 'Business Card' and 'Chief Minister Easy Business Financing' schemes for the purpose.

Under the Business Card scheme, medium business loans ranging from Rs1 million will be given, whereas bigger loans of up to Rs30 million will be provided under the Easy Business Financing Scheme.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz sought a comprehensive plan for awarding small and medium loans under the schemes.

She directed the relevant authorities to allocate separate zones for small and medium industries in big cities.

She said the loans would have to be repaid in five years under the Chief Minister Easy Business Financing Scheme. A grace period of three months will be given to the borrower after receiving the first loan instalment.

The chief minister also reviewed a proposal to provide loans on preferential basis to selected commercial sectors.

She clarified that the Business Card would not be used for payment in 10 sectors, including restaurants.

She added, "Information technology startups in Nawaz Sharif IT City will be able to get preferential loans."

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif will leave for China on Sunday on an eight-day official visit on the invitation of the International Development Department of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC). A 10-member delegation, including Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, will accompany her.

Arrangements have been made for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz's visit to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. She will meet International Development Minister Liu Jianzhou, while Deputy Minister Sun Haiyan will host a luncheon in her honor. She will also meet the central leadership of CPC, including the environment minister.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will visit the Shijiazhuang Hospital and will be briefed on the public health system in China. She will also visit the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport, Science Park and institutions related to the use of modern scientific methods, including environmental improvement technology and IT.

She will participate in an exhibition of imported goods, visit the CPC Central Congress and museum. She will also visit a primary school, and will be briefed on the education system in China. A Punjab-China dinner and Punjab Investment Conference are also included in the schedule.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz will visit the Jiangdong Renewable Energy Facility. She will also visit the Hawaii Technologies Factory.