Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has urged upon the banking sector to support government's development agenda by increasing financing to priority sectors, including agriculture, small and medium enterprises and Information Technology. He was chairing a meeting in Karachi that was attended by Governor State Bank of Pakistan Jameel Ahmed and CEOs and Presidents of various leading banks of Pakistan. The Minister reiterated the government's commitment to working closely with the banking sector to address the financing needs of priority sectors. Muhammad Aurangzeb asked the Pakistan Banks' Association to lead a task force comprising representatives from the banking sector, government, and relevant stakeholders, to devise actionable strategies to overcome the existing challenges and bottlenecks hindering the growth of priority sectors. Source: Radio Pakistan
Pakistan wants to enhance bilateral cooperation with Russia in diverse fields: PM
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said Pakistan wants to enhance bilateral cooperation with Russia in a number of areas particularly in energy, trade and investment. Talking to the Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev who called on him in Islamabad, he noted the historic cordial ties between both the countries. The Prime Minister stressed the need for early convening of the 9th session of the Inter-governmental Commission (IGC), due to be hosted by Russia later this year. Shehbaz Sharif also urged the Russian side to send a delegation to Pakistan to hold discussions with their counterparts to identify ways to enhance the existing level of trade and investment ties between the two countries. The Prime Minister reiterated his invitation to President Putin to undertake an official visit to Pakistan at his earliest convenience. The Ambassador assured the Prime Minister that Russia wants to build stronger ties with Pakistan. He said that, in addition to energy, trade and investment, Russia is also keen to enh ance cooperation in education and culture. Source: Radio Pakistan
1st consignment of high breed cattle reaches from Brazil
The first consignment of high breed cattle imported from Brazil under Special Investment Council (SIFC) has reached Pakistan. This process will contribute to the improvement of the Green Pakistan Livestock Initiative (GPLI) established under the SIFC. These cattle with superior genetic characteristics will be supplied to local farmers for meat and milk requirements. The imported cattle of nine breeds include local breeds of Pakistan and Brazilian breeds. These cattle have been transported from Sialkot to Okara, where they will be kept in quarantine for two weeks. Source: Radio Pakistan
US Mission encouraging women participation: Kristin Hawkins
The United States Consul General in Lahore Kristin Hawkins has said that women participation is being encouraged by US Mission through exchange programs, educational scholarships and internship programs. In an interview, she said the United States Mission in Pakistan has funded 35 cultural preservation projects worth one million dollars. She said Fulbright Scholarship, International Visitors Leadership Program, Student Exchange Programs and multiple High school scholarships are being offered to people. Source: Radio Pakistan