Private investment in grain storage discussed

Promotion of private sector investment in grain storage was among topics discussed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif with International Finance Corporation (IFC) Country Manager for Pakistan and Afghanistan Zeeshan Ahmed Sheikh during a meeting. Matters pertaining to private sector investment and business plans were discussed. Various projects relating to provision of financial services to women and small entrepreneurs were discussed. The services of IFC were lauded for enhancing employment, business activities with the support of investors. CM Maryam Nawaz said, “We would welcome investment in green energy, agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing and health sectors. IFC's interest in providing working capital to the farmers is welcome. IFC’s cooperation for the improvement of technological, digital infrastructure, development of pharmaceutical sector and export oriented industries is required.” IFC Country Manager Zeeshan Ahmed said, “As a World Bank Group member, IFC is providing appreciable services in the business infrastructure development. Collaborations are ongoing in Punjab so as to improve food security and provision of modern facilities for the storage of grain. IFC makes financial services more accessible to deprived communities, including women and small entrepreneurs. International Finance Corporation has been active in providing assistance for the development of Pakistan for the last many years.” Senator Pervez Rasheed and Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb were also present in the meeting. The chief minister also met Asian Development Bank (ADB) Human and Social Development Directo Sophia Shakeel and termed training of human resource her top priority. Matters related to cooperation in education, health and social protection were discussed in the meeting. The chief minister added, “Health and education are very close to my heart, many projects have been initiated in 60 days.” She said, "The Clinic on the Wheels project will contribute a lot for the treatment of unserved people.” She added, “We are building the first government-run autism school in Punjab.” The ADB official reiterated its commitment to collaborate for the improvement of lives of citizens in order to achieve sustainable development. It was agreed in the meeting to adopt innovative thinking for the improvement of health and education sectors. The bank also assured the CM of its support for the improvement of nursing sector. It was agreed to take immediate steps for the uplift of the field. Upgrade of nursing schools and establishment of a centre of excellence in nursing were also reviewed. According to a statement, Sofia Shakeel said, “We want to work together with the Punjab government to tackle the challenge of climate change.” School internet project “A new era of digital transformation in education has started in Pakistan,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz while launching a pilot project for the provision of satellite internet in schools at the Divisional Public School. She added, “Punjab is entering the digital era, because Pakistan can grow only by exploiting the information and communication technology.” An MoU to execute the project was signed between UAE’s ADM Holding and the Education Department of the Government of Punjab. Under the project, schools in Punjab will be linked to satellite internet in collaboration with One Web NEOM and ADM Holding. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said, “Students in remote rural and urban areas will benefit from satellite internet.” She added, “The Punjab government will also give laptops to the students.” She highlighted, “Digital skills will help empower students and make them part of the digital economy.” A delegation of UAE headed by Sheikh Ahmad Dalmouk Al Maktoum was also present on the occasion. The chief minister held a meeting with Sheikh Al Maktoum, a member of the royal family of United Arab Emirates, in which issues related to the provision of satellite internet and digitization were discussed. The visiting delegation gave a detailed briefing on the programme of providing direct internet service from satellite in schools. “Schools Satellite Internet Project is for digital access of people in deprived areas. In the first phase, satellite internet is being provided to 5,000 schools across the country.” Sheikh Ahmed Dalmook said, “Satellite internet service will be fully supported in schools in remote areas of Punjab. For the better development of young talent, there is a need to learn modern technology and skills.” He added, “Teachers and students will be able to use plug-and-play technology over the internet.” Meanwhile, chairing a meeting on higher education reforms, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "Building an international standard university in every district and college at the tehsil level is among our goals." She called for building universities and colleges on a priority basis in underdeveloped districts. The CM said, “The school and higher education sector in Punjab needs a complete revamp.” She was informed that more than 650,000 students are studying in private and public sector universities in Punjab. Out of them, 44% are boys and 56% girls. Published in The Express Tribune May 11th, 2024

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