Welcome visitors: Pakistan-Britain relations have deep roots, says Shahbaz

He was addressing a delegation led by the Mayor of British city Waltham Forest, Nadeem Ali. Trade relations, development projects and matters of mutual interest were discussed in the meeting.

Sharif said British assistance in training the Punjab Police was commendable. He said the skills development programme was running successfully with help from Britain’s Department for International Development (DFID), and thousands of youth had been trained under the programme. Sharif added that a large number of Pakistanis were living in Britain and playing an active role in its development.

The chief minister said the development of a skilled workforce to meet market needs was a major challenge.

He said that the grant of GSP Plus status by the European Union had created job opportunities in Pakistan.

An increase in textile and garment exports would enhance the volume of trade between Pakistan and European countries which would strengthen Pakistan’s economy, he said.

Nadeem Ali said the Punjab had made unprecedented progress under Sharif’s leadership. He said progress and development in the Punjab, especially in Lahore, was surprising. He called the Metro Bus Service a splendid project.