LAHORE - Punjab CM Shahbaz Sharif has granted approval to the project of setting up Garments City near Kala Shah Kaku Motorway. The City would be set up over 1000 acres of land where Pak-China industrial zone would also be established. The Garment City would provide all facilities to the industrialists under one-roof. The City will also get a labour colony, hospital and infrastructural facilities on priority basis.
While addressing the meeting, the Chief Minister said the project of Garments City is of vital importance and would be implemented expeditiously. He said that all matters regarding the glorious project of Garments City would be settled in a transparent manner.
Shahbaz Sharif said that the implementation of the project would result in promotion of garments industry. He said that Chinese investors associated with textile, readymade garments and knitting have shown interest in investment in Punjab-China Industrial Zone. The Chief Minister while issuing instructions to the concerned authorities to prepare a practicable financial model of the Garments City directed that a complete survey be conducted for the assessment of energy requirements of the Garments City and comprehensive recommendations be formulated in this regard. Shahbaz Sharif also directed that a solid strategy be evolved for producing skilled manpower to meet industrial requirements of the Garments City. He also directed that proper planning be made for the provision of infrastructure in the Garments City. He emphasised the need of special training in various skills for textile, garments and other sectors.
The Chief Minister issued instruction for constituting a committee to evolve technical training programme and directed that the committee should prepare a comprehensive training programme as early as possible so that skilled workforce could be provided to the factories to be set up in the Garments City.
Meanwhile, a delegation led by president of the Chinese company Dongfang Electric International (DEC), which is working on Nandipur Power Project, Han Zhiqiao met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif. Provincial Minister for Energy, Sher Ali Khan, Secretary Energy, Managing Director Nandipur Power Project, Capt (Retd) Mehmood, concerned officials as well as Vice President DECL International Zhang Guorong and Project Manager, Chen Youping were also present on the occasion.
Matters regarding completion of Nandipur Power Project before the timeline were discussed in the meeting.  Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif said that Nandipur Power Project is of vital importance and should be completed as early as possible. He said that Muslim League-N government has revived this project and transported its machinery from Karachi after which work is being carried out expeditiously on the project. He said that government wants to complete this project even before the stipulated period with the cooperation of the Chinese company as this project of national importance will help in resolving energy problem in the country.
The Chief Minister hoped that due to sincere efforts, the project will become operational at the beginning of next year.  Shahbaz Sharif offered cooperation to the officials of the Chinese company in other energy projects in Punjab to which the president of Dongfang Electric International (DEC) Han Zhiqiao thanked the Chief Minister and assured to cooperate in other energy projects in Punjab as well.
Meanwhile,  Japanese Ambassador in Pakistan Hiroshi Inomata and CM Shahbaz Sharif discussed matters relating to enhancing mutual cooperation in various fields at a meeting on Friday. During the meeting the Chief Minister highlighted the value of Pakistan and Japan warm and friendly relations and described Japan as a role model for the developing countries. He said that a major portion of Pakistan’s population comprises youth and the goal of national development can be achieved by equipping them with modern technical education. He said that Punjab govt is implementing a comprehensive programme of vocational education in the province. Shahbaz Sharif stressed that Japan should cooperate with the Punjab government in technical education sector.
It was decided in the meeting to increase cooperation in energy, technical education, tourism and other sectors.
The Japanese Ambassador expressed his pleasure over visit to the City and lauded the efforts of the Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif towards the development of the province. He said that measures will be taken for cooperation in technical education and other sectors.