Germany is one of the leading development partner of Pakistan and has been extending technical and financial assistance in different sectors over the years. It is also extending cooperation to Punjab government in development activities aimed at welfare and well-being of the people throughout the province. It is good to note that Provincial Chief Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has held fruitful discussions for the promotion of bilateral cooperation in energy, transport, auto industry and skills development sectors with a German delegation, headed by German Ambassador in Pakistan Martin Kobler and MAN Diesel and Turbo Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dr Uwe Laubar, which called on him in Lahore the other day.

According to the reports in the media, the delegation showed keen interest in promoting cooperation with Punjab government in different fields and also appreciated the command of the chief minister over the German language as he talked with the visitors in their own language quite fluently .The chief minister speedy progress should be made in skills development by working jointly and the German government should share its expertise in this important field with the provincial government in the establishment of first technical university in the province. He also welcomed the proposal made by the delegation on the occasion for setting up of a training center for the youth by Germany and directed constituting a committee for giving practical shape to this quite welcome suggestion on priority basis.

Co-leader of the German delegation Dr Laubar said that cooperation will be extended to the provincial government in different fields and praised the chief minister for his performance especially in the energy sector. Such keen interest and willingness to extend cooperation for development of different sectors by friendly countries like Germany is indeed quite appreciable and the proposals so made should be pursued without any delay and wastage of time. Thanks.

MEEM ZAY RIFAT,

Lahore, November 16.