LAHORE - Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Saturday emphasized the need for more investment in Punjab by Chinese companies. “They (Chinese) have a wide scope of development and expansion in the IT sector of Punjab,” said Sharif while talking to a four-member delegation led by cellular company Zong Chief Executive Officer Fan Yun Jun, which called on him here.
Matters regarding development of telecom sector in the province were also discussed in the meeting. The CM said that telecom sector had the status of industry in Pakistan and it is the first country of South Asia which has introduced the system of mobile number portability. He said that IT is the key to success in 21st century and developed nations owe their progress to successful use of computer technology in various sectors of national development.
Shahbaz said the government was acting on a comprehensive programme to promote information technology in the province. He said the government has introduced good governance through e-government in different sectors to a great benefit of the masses. He said that an international standard IT university would soon be set up in Lahore for providing latest education to the students in different sectors of IT to meet the demand of IT experts in the country.
He said that new avenues in IT sector are being explored from the platform of Punjab Information Technology Board in order to develop and expand this sector to ensure a prominent status for Pakistan in South Asia. He said that Punjab government had set up computer labs in the public sector schools in the province. Similarly, various facilities have been provided to software houses and other computer companies in Arfa IT Park. He said that cooperation of world renowned company Microsoft has been acquired for the development of tourism sector in the province.
He said that investment in IT sector is safe and lucrative. He said that Punjab Jiangsu Cultural Centre and Punjab China Bureau have been set up for producing experts in Chinese language and strengthening of linguistic and cultural relations between the two countries. He said that setting up of these institutions would expand friendly relations between China and Punjab. He said that 110-megawatt Taunsa Hydle Power plant would be set up in Punjab with the cooperation of China.
Fan Yun Jun while speaking on the occasion, said that his company is establishing branchless banking and endowment fund for students. He also commended the measures taken by Punjab government for the promotion of information technology and assured full cooperation in this regard.