Iranian envoy meets Punjab officials

Iranian Consul General Mohammad Hossein Baniasadi met with Punjab government officials to discuss ways of expanding ties and cooperation between the two sides. Baniasadi said that bilateral relations between Iran and Pakistan are rooted in history, religion and civilization and there is a wide scope of further cooperation in different sectors between the two countries. He said that Iran imports a large quantity of meat from abroad and it will be pleased to import this meat from Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, for his part, sought joint ventures between all Muslim countries for collective progress of the Ummah. "Agreements have been signed between the Government of the Punjab and Turkey during the last three years for joint projects. A state-of-the-art slaughter house being set up in the City is a testimony of Punjab's collaboration with Iran. It will be inaugurated on December 25," said Shahbaz. Matters of common interest and cooperation in different sectors were discussed in the meeting. Chief Executive Officer, CEO) Punjab Agriculture & Meat Company Dr. Hamid Jalil was also present on the occasion. Talking to the Consul General, the CM said that Iran and Pakistan "have deep-rooted brotherly relations, which can be translated into trade and economic ties". He said that both countries could launch joint ventures for promoting bilateral relations. He said that Pakistan, Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates should work together for development in different sectors. He said that Punjab government has created a favorable atmosphere for foreign investment and all projects are being executed in a highly transparent manner. The Chief Minister said that agreements have been signed with Turkey in various sectors during the last three years and the implementation of the project for cooperation in solid waste management will be started from February next. He said that negotiations are also in progress with Turkey for collaboration in bus rapid transit system and Turk engineers will soon visit Lahore for this purpose. He said that measures are being taken for promoting mutual cooperation with Iran and the joint venture of setting up a modern slaughter house in Shahpur Kanjran has been completed. He said that Punjab could meet the fresh meat requirement of Iran on daily basis, adding that Iran and Pakistan should sign a trade agreement on meat worth 150 million dollars which Punjab is fully capable to export. Shahbaz said that besides the livestock sector, the Punjab, Iran and China "can also start metro projects jointly". He said talks were being held with the Chinese company Norinco in this regard. He asked Iran to also consider cooperation in the project of a new veterinary university in Bahawalpur. The CM said that a delegation led by Senior Advisor Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa would visit Iran for the early implementation of the agreement reached at between Iranian province of Khorassan Razavi and Punjab. "This visit will also result in promoting cooperation in other various sectors," he concluded.