Poland has great expertise in generating energy: CM Punjab

Lahore: Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has said that deep friendly ties exist between Pakistan and Poland, however, these relations need to be changed into trade and economic cooperation. He said that Pakistan is facing serious crisis of energy due to which national economy, agriculture, education, health and all other sectors are badly affecting. He said that Poland has great expertise in generating energy through coal and Punjab government and Poland can start joint ventures in this sector. The Chief Minister said that vast reserves of coal are available in Pakistan and energy can be generated through coal. He said that a conducive atmosphere for investment exists in Punjab and Chinese and Turkish companies are making investment worth billions of rupees here. He stressed upon the investors of Poland to invest in Punjab and assured that complete protection will be provided to their investment.

He was talking to a high level parliamentary delegation led by Chairman Senate of Pland Bogdan Borusewicz, here today. Ambassador of Poland in Pakistan Andrzeg Ananicz, Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Special Assistant Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Members Assembly Pervaiz Malik, Dr. Saeed Elahi, Hafiz Mian Muhammad Nauman, Khawaja Imran Nazir, Honorary Counsel General of Poland in Pakistan Shahbaz Khan, Chairman P&D and Chief Executive of Punjab Investment Board were also present during the meeting. Matters of mutual interest, bilateral relations and cooperation in various sectors and democratic system were discussed during the meeting.

Shahbaz Sharif while welcoming the delegation of Poland in Punjab, expressed his desire to benefit from the experiences and technology of Poland. He said that Pakistan is facing serious challenge of extremism and terrorism but the nation is fully determined to root out this menace. He said that 40 thousand Pakistanis have sacrificed their lives in the war against terrorism. The Chief Minister said that the goal of development and prosperity of Pakistan cannot be achieved without elimination of terrorism. He said that peace is essential for promotion of investment. Shahbaz Sharif said that the entire nation is united against terrorism and expressed the hope that we will succeed in making the country a haven of peace by eliminating extremism and terrorism. He said that all possible protection is being provided to the foreign investors, that is why, Chinese and Turkish companies are making huge investment here. He asked investors of Poland to come forward and invest in Punjab. He said that a trade delegation will soon be sent to Poland which will hold talks for seeking cooperation of the Polish investors.

Shahbaz Sharif said that former dictator Pervez Musharraf toppled the democratic government and sacked the judges. He said that people of Pakistan including lawyers, political workers and all segments of the society struggled for the restoration of judiciary. He said that under the leadership of President PML-N Muhammad Nawaz Sharif, hundreds of thousands of people came on roads for restoration of judiciary and the rulers have to bow before the desires of the masses and judiciary was restored. The Chief Minister said that Nawaz Sharif has played historic role for strengthening democratic system and promotion of democratic values. He said that capable leadership is essential for running the important system. He said that present democratic system has totally failed in resolving the people’s problems. He said that if capable leadership is available to the system, then good results can be yielded.

Chairman Senate of Poland, Bogdan Borusewicz said on this occasion that Punjab is an important and big province of Pakistan, therefore, we have selected Punjab for their visit. He said that Lahore is a historical city and important center of culture. He said that economic and political changes were brought in Poland during the last 20 years and its economy has strengthened. Chairman Senate said that Poland has good political relations with Pakistan, however, there is a need of enhancing trade relations. He said that trade of only 250 million dollars between Pakistan and Poland is insufficient, therefore, both the countries will have to enhance their economic relations. He also welcomed the proposal of Chief Minister Punjab for sending trade delegation to Poland. He said that exchange of maximum delegations will be useful for enhancing bilateral trade cooperation. Ambassador of Poland in Pakistan, Andrzeg Ananicz said on this occasion that Poland and Punjab government can extend cooperation in food processing, mines, technology, energy and agriculture sectors. The delegation of Poland included Chairman Human Rights, Rule of Law & Petitions Committee Michal Sewerytiski, Senator and Deputy Chairman of the International Affairs Committee Bogdan Adam Klich, Bartoez Bagowaki, Aleksander Jakimowicz, Bogdam Adam Margcewski, Andrzej Ananicz, Wieslaw Kucharek and Aftab Khokhar.