Bilateral Relations: ‘Punjab lucrative market for livestock’

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said on Saturday that Pakistan attached great importance to its relations with Australia. He made the remarks during a meeting with Naila Chohan, the designated High Commissioner to Australia. Sharif said the Punjab was a lucrative market for livestock and halal products. He said the promotion of agriculture and livestock farming could strengthen the economy. Sharif said advances in these sectors could alleviate poverty and reduce unemployment. He said the government had evolved a strategy to promote livestock farming in the Punjab. Sharif said the government had taken several steps for farmers’ welfare and the promotion of agriculture.  He said the government had been providing soft loans to livestock breeders. The chief minister said Pakistan was keen to enhance cooperation with Australia in livestock and agriculture. Sharif said the government had nurtured an investor-friendly atmosphere in the province. The chief minister said investors could benefit from several incentives that had been introduced by the government. He said the Punjab Investment Board had been playing an active role in attracting investors.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 24^th, 2014.