LAHORE: A delegation of Russian Federation called on Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar and discussed matters pertaining to promotion of investment and cooperation in different sectors.

The delegation showed interest in investment in the Punjab Safe City Authority Project and health, education and IT sectors. The delegation also extended invitation to the CM to visit Moscow.

Talking to the delegation, Mr Buzdar said Pakistan and Russian Federation enjoyed friendly relations. Every step would be taken to transform these relations into useful economic ties and the foreign investment would be welcomed, he assured the delegation. The best facilities would be provided to the foreign investors in Punjab to create new employment opportunities through investment, he said and added that the Punjab government had decided to expand the scope of safe city project and reforms were being introduced in health and education sectors.

“No society can move forward without the support of the IT. That’s why, we are desirous to further expand this sector. The Russian collaboration in this regard would be welcomed,” the CM added.

The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to constitute a high-level committee under the chairman P&D to give its final recommendations in this regard to increase cooperation with Russia.

The delegation, led by Oleg Krylof, said Russia wanted to cooperate with the Punjab government and it was ready to invest in various sectors. Yasir Hamid advisor to Russian Federation State Organisation, consultant Dr Nadia Zaheer, Ali Amir Malik, managing director Punjab Safe City Authority, CEO PBIT and others were also present.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2018