Summary Shehbaz says abundant opportunities available for investment in livestock and agriculture sectors.
Dunya News Report (Humaira Sajid)
ISLAMABAD - Australian High Commissioner in Pakistan Margaret Anne Adamson met with the Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore on Sunday agreed to enhance cooperation in agriculture and livestock sector.
During the meeting, both discussed matters of mutual interest, ways to improve Pak-Australia mutual economic and social relations, and extending cooperation in sectors of agriculture, livestock, skills development and education.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Pakistan and Australia have the best friendly relations and there are abundant opportunities for investment in livestock and agriculture sectors of Punjab. He stressed that exchange of delegation between Australia-Pakistan can work as a catalyst of cooperation in economic and social sector.
Shehbaz Sharif while reminiscing about the vast investment opportunities in livestock and agriculture sectors of the province alleged that there will be mutual benefit for Australia and Pakistan as his government will benefit from the experience and expertise of Australia in development and other sectors, the financiers will benefit from the investment-friendly policies.
The Australian High Commissioner Adamson appreciated the measures taken by Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif in different sectors. She said Australia will take steps for the promotion of cooperation with Punjab government in different sectors so that bilateral relations could be further strengthened.
At a different occasion in Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Margaret Adamson stated "Australia has been extending full support to Pakistan in this important sector. Australia has also developed its dairy and livestock sectors and we are ready to share our experience with Pakistani counterparts for the enhancements of its milk and meat production." Regarding education sector, she said that Australian government is extending liberal scholarships to the Pakistani students and at the moment more than 15000 students are studying in various universities of Australia.
At this critical stage when Pakistan lags behind in technological innovation in agriculture and livestock, the assistance offered by Australian government is highly supportive. According to Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) statistics the livestock accounts for around 11.4% for the GDP and its value is higher than all the agricultural products also it is considered to be a net source of invariable income for rural and middle grade agri-business holders.
Livestock is the main industry that can be used for poverty alleviation in rural areas. The LCCI Officials said that the unused land provided to the farmers for livestock and the animal dun used for producing biomass act as a fuel for generating electricity. They said that this electricity in rural areas can help manage the chiller for milk and at later stage can help freeze meat for exports.
However, load-shedding of 12-18 hours a day for the last several years indicates that the energy sector’s development projects are among the most neglected by the Punjab government. The statistics explain that only Rs 1.2 billion was spent on these schemes, i.e. 5.5 percent of the total budgetary allocation of Rs 22 billion.
LCCI President Arshad said Pakistan is an agro-based economy but unfortunately, most of excessive agriculture produce gets wasted due to lack of post harvest technology and energy factors. However, he appreciates the scenario in Pakistan and claimed that it is not as bad as being portrayed by the international media. "Pakistan has become a safer place due to rigorous efforts of the government and armed forces.
