LAHORE, Jan 27: The people-to-people contact between Pakistan and India has increased and this will leave a positive impact on the dialogue process.

This was stated by Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi while talking to a delegation from Norway which was led by the chairman of its parliament's foreign affairs standing committee, Mr. Thorbgorn Jagllang. Norwegian Ambassador Janis Kanavin was also present on the occasion.

The chief minister elaborated different steps taken to reform various sectors in the province. He said a scheme to promote livestock sector in the province had been introduced under which loans up to Rs50,000 would be given to cattle farmers on personal surety. This programme would also generate job opportunities.

He said all-out facilities were being provided to local and foreign investors. A transparent system had been introduced for the recovery of taxes from industries and unnecessary taxation was being eliminated.

The chief minister said industrialization could play a vital role for the progress and prosperity of the country. The unemployment problem could only be overcome through strengthening the private sector.

He said the Punjab Industrial Estates Development and Management Company had been created which was reviving old industrial estates as well as establishing new ones.

Mr. Jagllang said Lahore was an important city due to its educational, political and cultural significance. He said there was a wide scope of investment in Pakistan.