Shahbaz calls on Senior Minister of British Cabinet Francis Maude

Lahore:  Chief Minister Punjab  Shahbaz Sharif called on the Senior Minister of British Cabinet Francis Maude in London, today. Matters relating to elimination of corruption and promotion of transparency were discussed in detail during the meeting. Talking to the Senior Minister, Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif disclosed that concrete steps have been taken for rooting out corruption from the Punjab. He said that cooperation will be sought from UK for making the procedure of tenders and government expenditures more transparent in the province. Shahbaz Sharif said that system will further improve by online listing of government expenses and tenders on the pattern of British system. He said that access to information is the right of the people and legislation is being made in Punjab in this regard. He said that people will be empowered through access to information and the governmental initiatives will be made more transparent. He disclosed that a letter of intent will be signed tomorrow between Punjab and UK for taking practical steps for eliminating corruption and enhancing cooperation. He also extended invitation to the Senior Minister of UK to visit Lahore.

Senior Minister of UK Cabinet, Francis Maude talking on the occasion said that Punjab government has taken practical steps for rooting out corruption and promotion of merit. Both the leaders were of the view that Punjab is the most transparent province of Pakistan and corruption has been eliminated from it to a large extent.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif also met Minister of State for Trade and Investment of UK Stephen Keith Green. Matters of mutual interest and promotion of bilateral trade and investment were discussed during the meeting. Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said on this occasion that Punjab government is providing special incentives and facilities to the investors. He urged upon the British investors to take benefit from the opportunities of investment in energy, transport, information technology and other sectors in Punjab. He said that foreign investors are being encouraged. He urged that the trade volume with Britain should be further increased. He said that the exchange of trade delegations will enhance bilateral trade. British Minister Lord Green assured that cooperation in various sectors with Punjab would be further enhanced.