LAHORE, Nov 24: Punjab expects a huge Chinese investment in the province as a result of the 19 memorandums of understanding (MoUs) the provincial government has signed with various Chinese companies for joint ventures.

Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif told a press conference here on Monday, a day after his return from China, that talks were held for setting up an industrial estate of Chinese companies in Sheikhupura.

The sectors identified for joint ventures are fertilizer production, power generation, infrastructure development, waste water management and dairy farming, he said, adding a meeting would be held on Wednesday (tomorrow) to form committees for each sector to materialize the MoUs.

Chinese engineers would also visit Punjab to see possibilities for drip irrigation system in arid areas of Cholistan, he said, adding they had been offered land on 30-year lease for agricultural projects as 20 parties had shown interest in this respect.Infrastructure projects like Lahore Expressway, Lahore Ring Road and Lahore Mass Transit system were also identified for investment while a Chinese company also expressed interest in real estate development, the chief minister said. Work on one such project would soon start.

He said that the provincial kitty was not burdened for the Chinese visit as eight members of the delegation were official guests of China while others paid from their pocket.

POLIO: Inaugurating polio vaccination campaign at Children’s Hospital on Monday, the chief minister said every member of society would have to play an active role for the eradication of polio from the country, says a handout.

He said practical efforts were required for the success of polio-eradiation campaign and a comprehensive system of monitoring would be adopted at every level. He said the department concerned would be held accountable and no laxity would be tolerated in this regard.

He said that timely measures had not been taken for the prevention of dengue fever. He said that health department and local governments were equally guilty.

DAIRY: The chief minister presided over a meeting of the livestock and dairy development department at his secretariat. He directed the officials concerned to form two separate task forces on dairy development and livestock which would present comprehensive and solid recommendations for the uplift of these sectors.

He also directed setting up of a model pilot project to be run with the assistance of the private sector. He gave an approval for the establishment of livestock development fund for the uplift of livestock sector and directed that recommendations be formulated and submitted to him in this regard. He also approved various matters, including livestock business estate, reorganization of slaughter houses and directed the livestock secretary to submit him proposals for the implementation of these projects.

CONDEMNS BLASTS: The chief minister condemned the Peshawar Imambargah blast, and said it was a deplorable attempt to create confusion and lawlessness in the country.