May 9, 2003	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 6, 1424

KARACHI, May 8: Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Liaquat Ali Jatoi, has said the government is pursuing the goal of strengthening the manufacturing base, attracting more investment and generating more employment opportunities.

This he stated during a visit to Siemens head office in SITE area here on Thursday.

On the occasion the minister also lauded the role and contributions of Siemens and assured full support on behalf of the government of Pakistan and the Ministry of Industries.

He pointed out that with the assistance of Japanese government, 25 institutions are being set up for production of more skilled persons.

Liaquat Jatoi also spoke of the expansion projects of Pakistan Steel Mills and Pakistan Machine Tool Factory.

He announced that by May 2004 the first phase of expansion of Pakistan Steel would be completed. The production capacity of Pakistan Steel would be enhanced to three million tons per year.—APP