LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has invited foreign investors to invest in the province, saying the provincial government is implementing a “zero time to start” policy to facilitate business launch and ensure speedy project execution.
In a meeting with a high-level American business delegation, the chief minister said the United States has long been an important economic partner of Pakistan and the presence of American investors in Punjab reflects renewed confidence in the province’s investment climate.
She said Pak-US relations could be further strengthened through investment, modern technology, artificial intelligence, health, energy, minerals and private sector cooperation.
Maryam Nawaz said Punjab is the main engine of Pakistan’s economy, contributing 55.7 percent to the national GDP, 57.5 percent to agriculture, 48 percent to manufacturing and 57.4 percent to the services sector.
She said Punjab, with a population of about 130 million, offers major investment potential due to its young population, skilled workforce, 20 Special Economic Zones and two Export Processing Zones.
The chief minister said Punjab is the first province in Pakistan where an Artificial Intelligence Authority has been established, adding that the government is also offering one-window facilitation, industrial land, tax incentives and other support to investors.
She said the government aims to integrate more than 15 licensing bodies on a digital platform to reduce business costs and save time.
Highlighting opportunities in multiple sectors, Maryam Nawaz referred to Ravi Urban Development Authority, Central Business District, Nawaz Sharif Medical City, agro-processing parks, electric mobility, housing, tourism, IT and minerals.
She said a total investment target of $7.1 billion has been set for Punjab over the next three years, including $3.9 billion in government investment and $3.2 billion from the private sector.
The chief minister said major projects are underway in health, agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, technology and industrial sectors, while the government seeks technology transfer and technical cooperation with American companies.
She assured the delegation that Punjab is committed to full facilitation and swift implementation of every project.
