The GDP rate of Punjab is 150 billion $ : Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha

Lahore : Provincial Minister for Finance, Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha has said that Punjab comprises 55 percent of the total population of the country which shares 60 percent of the total GDP through its 68 thousand industrial units. The GDP rate of only Punjab is 150 billion dollars which is more than the countries like Sri Lanka, Hungry, Ukraine and Morocco, she added.

Provincial Minister said that an increase of 17.5 billion rupees in investment in public private sector being made on annual basis by US Aid since 2017 so far is an achievement of Punjab which reflects greater business opportunities in the province.

She expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony, on the arrival of Chinese delegation led by Lu Xinshe, Secretary Provincial Committee of China Pakistan Economic Corridor, at Punjab Jiangxi Business Forum.

The Minister said that Pak-China Economic Corridor and setting up of Gwadar Port will write a new history between Pakistan and China friendship and take the economy of both the countries at the heights of development. She said that due to the confidence of foreign investors, Pakistan Stock Exchange has gained an important status at international market.

Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said IMF has admitted that sudden big change in Pakistan’s economy has made it attractive for investors.

Talking about investment opportunities in the province, she told Chinese delegation that Punjab government is providing greater opportunities of investment to foreign and local investors in energy, infrastructure, agriculture, mines & minerals, pharmaceutical, health, education, livestock and housing schemes.

The Minister said that a number of reforms have been introduced for facilitating investors which include establishment of special economic zones, provision of infrastructure and automation of tax system. She said that Punjab is promoting strong cooperation among various countries for the promotion of investment in positive manner.

Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha invited Chinese delegation for participation in the second international seminar regarding awareness about business opportunities to be held in next month in Punjab.

Secretary CPEC and Director General Commerce thanked on cooperation being extended by Punjab government and assured strong business relationship between both the countries. Four MoUs were signed between Punjab and the Chinese province Jiangxi during the function and consultation was made on the preparation of framework for investment.