January 11, 2006	Wednesday	Zilhaj 10, 1426

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LAHORE, Jan 10: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi said on Tuesday new avenues to progress had been opened for Pakistan because of the administrative, political and economic reforms by the president. Talking to Spanish Ambassador Jose Mari Robles who called on him here, he said the president was trying his best to resolve the national issues with courage.

The chief minister said Pakistan and Spain were tied into deep historical and traditional relations and trade cooperation between them was increasing.

The government, he said, was promoting education sector on a priority. Owing to the provincial government’s education reform programme, an additional 1.9 million children had got admission to schools here. The education reform programme had been appreciated at the world level and it had become a role model for others.

The chief minister said realizing the importance of irrigation system for the agriculture sector, the government was upgrading the canal network in the province. It had created a conducive atmosphere for investment, leading to voluminous increase in the foreign and domestic investment here.

He said the entire nation stood united in providing relief to the people affected by the earthquake on Oct 8 last year. Punjab’s relief efforts for the survivors were appreciated by other provinces in the country.

He said the world bodies and community, too, played a commendable role during this hour of trial. The donor conference held by Pakistan proved a success because of the government’s international connections and a successful foreign policy. The world bodies and community generously announced relief packages.

The local and foreign philanthropists, he said, were approaching the Punjab government for participating in its Adopt-A-Family programme launched to assist the earthquake people resume their normal life. He also thanked the Spanish government for lending a hand.

The ambassador said relations between the two countries were based on strong foundations, which would further strengthen in future and trade and commerce cooperation between them was increasing.