September 30, 2006	Saturday	Ramazan 6, 1427

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QUETTA, Sept 29: The World Bank will take all-possible measures for the development of fisheries and other sectors in Balochistan and continue to fund various projects launched in the province.

This was stated by Roland White, head of a World Bank mission currently visiting Pakistan, during a meeting with Chief Secretary KB Rind here on Friday.

Additional Chief Secretary Planning and Development Captain (retd) Qayyum Changezi, Secretary Finance Mahfooz Ali Khan and Secretary Local Government Younus Durrani were also present at the meeting.

Chief Secretary Rind informed the Would Bank mission that after devolution of powers to the lower level, districts government were working very smoothly for resolving people’s problems under Khushhal Pakistan Programme. The federal government had recently provided Rs100 million to each district government in Balochistan, and the amount was being spent on the masses.

He said a large number of women also participated in the local bodies’ election.

“Training programmes are being conducted for nazims and naib nazims in the province,” said Rind, adding that such programmes were also arranged for training women councillors.

He said that the government was also paying attention to fair use of funds, and a check-and-balance system was strictly being observed in the province.

He said that the government was also taking all-possible steps for strengthening the local governments.

The chief secretary said there were ample investment opportunities in the various sectors of the province, and the government was providing all incentives to the local and foreign investors in this regard.

“Balochistan is rich in minerals. Recently a Marble City has been established in Gadani where at least 60 marble industries are being set up to pave way for more investment in the province,” he said.

“Foreign investors are showing interest in the marble industry,” he told the World Bank mission.

He said that the government had already launched mega projects in different areas of the province including Kachhi canal, Gwadar port, Coastal Highway.

He also mentioned the laying of railway line from Gwadar to the Central Asian States.

Mr White lauded the government efforts for a speedy development of the province and assured that the World Bank would continue to extend assistance and cooperation for the development of Balochistan.

APP ADDS: The World Bank mission also called on Balochistan Governor Owais Ahmed Ghani here on Friday and exchanged views on various matters of mutual interest.

The mission informed the governor that the purpose of their visit was to review and finalise a project meant for providing aid to the tehsil level government for uplift schemes.

The governor thanked the World Bank for its cooperation in various sectors of the province and expressed the hope that the Bank would continue its cooperation in future as well.

Meanwhile, a delegation of Pak-Turk International Education Foundation also called on the governor and informed him about their educational activities in Quetta. They expressed willingness to open more educational institutions in the province.

The governor lauded their efforts for promotion of education in the province and assured them of his complete cooperation in this regard.