Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation to Swiss companies to invest in Pakistan’s thriving renewable energy and IT sectors. The Prime Minister discussed this opportunity during a meeting with a Swiss delegation led by Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis in Islamabad on Saturday.
Exploring Collaborative Opportunities in Tourism and Development
During the meeting, both parties agreed to utilize the G2G (Government-to-Government) and B2B (Business-to-Business) channels to foster collaboration in the fields of tourism and the development of related infrastructure. They also expressed the need to convene a meeting in the near future to further discuss and finalize modes of cooperation in these areas.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Furthermore, the two sides reached an agreement to enhance bilateral ties, with a particular focus on climate change, trade and investment, development cooperation, higher education, and vocational training between Pakistan and Bern.
Living Indus Initiative and Delta Blue Carbon Project
Minister for Climate Change Sherry Rehman presented the Living Indus Initiative and Delta Blue Carbon Project during the event. These initiatives aim to restore over three hundred thousand hectares of mangrove wetlands, resulting in a reduction of 147 million metric tonnes of carbon and generating revenues of 250 million dollars.
A Warm Welcome and Gratitude
Prior to the discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed Foreign Minister Cassis and his accompanying delegation. He emphasized the high importance Pakistan places on its relations with Switzerland, which are based on a shared belief in the fundamental principles of democracy and the rule of law. The Prime Minister also expressed gratitude to the Swiss Government for their support in the aftermath of last year’s devastating floods.
Significance of the Visit
It is worth mentioning that this bilateral visit marks the first time in seventeen years that a Swiss Foreign Minister has visited Pakistan along with three members of the Parliament.
Productive Discussions on Cooperation
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took to Twitter to share the outcomes of his meeting with Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis. They had productive discussions on expanding cooperation in trade and investment, climate change, disaster management, risk reduction, early warning systems, higher education, and the development of tourism infrastructure.
Appreciation for Switzerland’s Advocacy
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for Switzerland’s advocacy in promoting climate-responsible sustainable development.
By actively engaging with Swiss companies and fostering collaborative ties, Pakistan aims to attract foreign investment, harness renewable energy potential, and leverage IT advancements for the nation’s development. The meeting between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis signals the commitment of both countries to explore mutually beneficial opportunities and strengthen their bilateral relations.