Foreign investors: Punjab govt extending excellent opportunities: CM

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said the Punjab government was providing excellent opportunities for foreign investors.

A delegation from the Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan called on Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, agriculture, investment, tourism and industry.

The delegation was comprised of Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan Ermanov Farkhod and Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Alisher Tukhtaev.

During the meeting, the delegation invited Punjab to participate in the establishment of a Special Economic Zone in Karakalpakstan on the lines of Punjab’s model.

Both sides held detailed discussions on increasing bilateral trade, particularly between Punjab and Karakalpakstan. They also agreed to promote tourism and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The delegation extended an invitation to the chief minister to visit Uzbekistan and Karakalpakstan, which she accepted with thanks.

The meeting also discussed a proposal by Karakalpakstan to allocate 100 to 200 hectares of land to Pakistani farmers for potato cultivation.

The two sides reviewed a proposal to declare Lahore and Nukus as sister cities and agreed to further strengthen cooperation in trade, agriculture, livestock and industry.

The CM said the Punjab government would examine the possibility of meeting Karakalpakstan’s and Uzbekistan’s annual demand for 30,000 head of livestock from Punjab. She welcomed Uzbekistan’s interest in investing in Lahore’s textile industry, saying the Punjab government was providing excellent opportunities to foreign investors.

The chief minister said there was considerable potential to further expand trade corridors and regional cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026