PM Shehbaz Sharif says he has broken the begging bowl

ABU-DHABI, May 23 (SABAH): Prime Minister Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has expressed the iron resolve of his government to completely transform Pakistan’s economy through collaboration, joint ventures, and knowledge sharing partnership with the United Arab Emirates.

Addressing a round-table session “Innovate Together: UAE-Pakistan Tech Collaborations,” in Abu-Dhabi on Thursday, PM Shehbaz Sharif said the government is fully focusing on how to promote information technology, and artificial intelligence in various sectors of Pakistan’s economy, including agriculture, mines and minerals, and industry to enhance exports.

He also stressed the need to promote IT skills to empower youth, which is 60 percent of Pakistan’s population.

The Prime Minister also commended the joint collaboration between the UAE and Pakistani companies to promote digitization of economy and expressed the desire to replicate this in Pakistan.

He expressed the commitment to provide highest quality vocational training with modern skills so that they can come to UAE by fulfilling legal formalities.

Acknowledging UAE’s support to Pakistan through thick and thin, PM Shehbaz Sharif said he has broken the begging bowl and his visit is focused on seeking joint collaboration and investments, having mutual benefits for investors.

On the occasion, three agreements were signed between Pakistani and UAE companies. These agreements were signed between Labware Arabia and Maison Consulting, Info Tech Group and 800 Inc Holdings, as well as Minsait (INDRA) Spain and Info Tech Group.

The Prime Minister also distributed awards among the executives of prominent UAE companies who have investment portfolios in Pakistan.

Earlier on Thursday Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Dubai on a day-long visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).                   

On arrival, he was welcomed by Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

This is Prime Minister’s first visit to the UAE since taking charge of his office.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will hold one-on-one meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss further strengthening of Pak-UAE bilateral ties.                                                   

He will also meet Pakistani and UAE businessmen and investors associated with Information Technology sector, besides meeting the top government officials and businessmen of the UAE.                         

The Prime Minister’s visit marks the beginning of a new era of the long-standing brotherly relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.                                

His meetings with the top Emirati leadership and business community reflect the government’s diplomatic achievements and growing interest of friendly countries to invest in Pakistan.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar Advocate, Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, Minister for Commerce Mir Jam Kamal Khan and Special Assistant to Prime Minister Syed Tariq Fatemi are also accompanying the Prime Minister.