Govt pursuing agenda of digitizing economy: PM
Reaffirms Govt’s commitment to GSP Plus scheme
Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said the government is pursuing the agenda of digitizing the economy, rightsizing of public institutions and merit-based appointment of experts in public sector organizations.
He was chairing a meeting on the progress of the Public-Private Partnership Authority regarding the appointment of technical experts in federal ministries and departments and the strategy for foreign investment.
The Prime Minister said institutional reforms are among our top priorities.
He said there will be no compromise on merit and transparency in the appointment of experts.
The Prime Minister was briefed by the Public-Private Partnership Authority regarding the appointment of technical experts.
It was informed that so far appointments have been made to fifteen technical positions while appointments are underway for forty-seven more technical posts.
It was informed that federal ministries have nominated focal teams to devise strategies related to investment.
Sectoral roadmaps for investment in Information Technology & Telecom, Railways and Tourism have been prepared.
Sectoral frameworks for investment in Food Security, Maritime Affairs, Minerals, Tourism, Industry, Housing, and Energy are in final stages of development.
Pitch books for eighteen economic sectors have been prepared for assigning investment projects to Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, Qatar and Kuwait.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the GSP Plus scheme, which was proved mutually beneficial for both Pakistan and the European Union.
He expressed the resolve while talking to Ambassador of the European Union, Riina Kionka, who paid a farewell call on the Prime Minister in Islamabad on Friday.
While congratulating the Ambassador on the successful completion of her tenure in Pakistan, the Prime Minister thanked Ambassador Riina Kionka for making important contributions towards the strengthening of Pakistan-EU relations.
He particularly appreciated the EU Ambassador’s efforts in ensuring significant support from the EU during the 2022 floods in Pakistan.
Shehbaz Sharif underscored the significance of EU as one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners.
The Prime Minister also conveyed his good wishes for the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, saying that he looks forward to meeting her at a convenient opportunity in the coming days.
Important issues between Pakistan and the EU, including domestic political developments also came under discussion.
The Ambassador of European Union thanked the Prime Minister for all the support she received during her stay in Pakistan and stated that the EU is committed to strengthening its cooperation with Pakistan.
While expressing gratitude to the Prime Minister’s good wishes, Ambassador Riina Kionka said that she would continue to promote stronger Pakistan-EU relations in her next assignment in Brussels.
