- Punjab CM seeks stronger cooperation in agriculture, water governance, stressing broader, robust partnership will spur trade, investment and tourism
- Lauds Netherlands as key EU trading partner, underscoring Dutch expertise to boost potato yields, smart irrigation
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday held an extensive meeting with the Ambassador of the Netherlands, H.E. Robert-Jan Siegert, for detailed discussions on strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, water management, climate change, technological collaboration, and public linkages.
Welcoming the Ambassador on his recent appointment, she expressed best wishes and reaffirmed Punjab’s commitment to advancing cooperation with the Netherlands. Both sides also agreed to enhance Dutch support in higher education, technical training, water management, education and research.
She lauded presence of Dutch companies in Pakistan, terming it a strong reflection of investors’ growing confidence in Pakistan’s stable economic and fiscal policies. She also appreciated the global reputation of Dutch expertise in water governance and flood management. Expressing a desire to resume direct air connectivity, she said the Ambassador’s introductory visit symbolizes the forward movement of bilateral relations in a positive direction.
The Punjab chief minister highlighted that Pakistan and Netherlands share development-oriented objectives, adding that the Netherlands remains Pakistan’s second-largest European trading partner. She noted that the Punjab government offers a highly conducive environment for investors.
She added that Dutch advancements in agriculture and food technology align closely with Punjab’s development goals and agricultural strategy.
She underscored that partnership with the Netherlands could be transformative, especially in improving potato yields. She also praised the Dutch “Room for the River” initiative as a global model, expressing Punjab’s interest in formulating comprehensive cooperation in this area as well.
She noted that Dutch collaboration could significantly benefit major provincial initiatives such as ‘Suthra’ Punjab, Smart Irrigation and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
The Punjab CM highlighted Punjab’s desire to strengthen links with Dutch universities to promote joint research programmes. She added that participating Dutch business delegations at Pakistan’s major trade fairs TEXPO and FoodAg were encouraging signs of growing economic engagement.
She underscored that strengthening ties with the Netherlands will further boost trade, investment and tourism. She flagged that Punjab seeks a broad and robust economic partnership with the Netherlands, adding that the country stands as a global example in innovation, agricultural technology and sustainable development.
CM congratulates newly elected office-bearers of Punjab Assembly Press Gallery
Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated newly elected office-bearers of the Punjab Assembly Parliamentary Reporters Press Gallery. She extended her best wishes for the newly elected President Khawaja Naseer, Secretary Abbas Haider Naqvi, Joint Secretary Farzand Ali and Assistant Secretary Wasif Mahmood. She expressed hope that the newly elected office-bearers of the Punjab Assembly Press Gallery will continue to provide positive reporting for upholding the sanctity of the House.
