"We Need Trade, Not Aid", CM Tells USAID Mission Director

"We need trade, not aid", CM tells USAID Mission Director

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd Jan, 2017 ) : Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said Pakistan and United States enjoyed excellent ties but both countries needed to further promote trade and economic cooperation.

He stated this while talking to USAID Pakistan Mission Director John Groarke who called him on here Monday. The Chief Minister said they did not need aid, rather needed trade, therefore bilateral trade should be given more and more promotion and the private sector should also be encouraged to create more job opportunities.

He said the Punjab government was working on revolutionary projects in education, health and agriculture sectors. He was all praise of the cooperation of USAID in agriculture and energy sectors.

He said significant drop in load-shedding had been observed due to the efforts of the government and work on the 3600 MW gas power projects was continuing at the fast track.

"Pakistan will become self-sufficient in the power production," CM added.

Shehbaz sharif said Rs. 100 billion package was being implemented in Punjab for the welfare of the farmers besides giving subsidy on fertilizers. He said a special centre had been established in Multan to provide justice to the torture victim women under one roof.

USAID Mission Pakistan Director John Groarke said cooperation with the Punjab would continue on permanent basis and the efforts of the Punjab government to improve agriculture production were inspirational.

US Consul General Yuriy Fedkiw was also present besides Provincial Finance Minister Dr. Ayesha Ghos Pasha, Advisor Dr. Umar Saif, Chairman P & D, CEO Punjab Investment board and other concerned officers.