LAHORE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar says work has started to construct a five-star hotel near Qaddafi Stadium for the stay of foreign teams. “An underground or overhead bridge will also be constructed to link the stadium and the hotel,” he added.

The chief minister was speaking to Ambassador of the UAE Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Salem Al-zabi, who called on him at his office on Monday and expressed their interest in investment in health and construction sectors.

The chief minister invited the UAE investors to invest in special economic zones, Walton Business Hub and River Ravi Urban Front projects.

Mr Buzdar said that facilities had been provided to investors on a priority basis by easing the process of issuance of NOCs. He said special incentives had been provided to the investors and all matters pertaining to investment were dealt with by him. “The Punjab government welcomes the UAE investment companies as it has played a commendable role in the development of the country.”

The UAE ambassador congratulated the chief minister over the successful holding of Cholistan Desert Rally-2021 and best arrangements for cricket matches in Lahore. He said that he had brought a message of good wishes on behalf of UAE Minister Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, who thanked Mr Buzdar for extending full support for investment.

He said the UAE companies that were interested in investment were ready to invest in SEZs. He said the UAE visa centre would also be opened soon in Lahore.

Meanwhile, talking to media persons, finance minister Hashim Jawan Bakht said the shifting of the Lahore Walton Airport from the middle of the city would immediately allow the Lahore Development Authority (LDA) to begin robust commercial activity in around 6,000 acres radius area.

Published in Dawn, February 16th, 2021