Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that human development, especially with regard to facilitating the weaker segments of society and bringing them out of poverty, is a top priority of his government.
He was speaking with a delegation led by United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Representative in Pakistan Aliona Niculita in Islamabad.
The prime minister said that the government has prioritised the use of state resources for the welfare of the people and country’s development.
He said that since his government and the UNDP share the objectives, the government will provide all possible co-operation to the UNDP to ensure the accomplishment of common goals.
Appreciating Khan’s special interest in human development, Niculita said that the premier’s personal interest is helping the UNDP achieve its goals.
She said lauded the government’s pursuit of sustainable development goals and provision of effective strategy and resources.
She also thanked the prime minister for government’s support to the UNDP.
Meanwhile, while chairing a meeting of the National Co-ordination Committee for SMEs, Prime Minister Khan reiterated the government’s resolve to remove all hindrances for the promotion of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
He stressed that the government will provide all possible incentives to the sector.
Khan directed the authorities concerned to adopt international best practices to provide facilities and incentives to SMEs, adding that SMEs play a key role in stabilising and promoting the country’s economy.
The prime minister directed the ministry of industries and production to prepare a workable roadmap for the promotion of SMEs in the next two weeks.
He was also briefed about proposed SME Policy 2020.
Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Sardor Umurzaqov, who is also the country’s minister for investment and foreign economic relations, called on Prime Minister Khan yesterday.
During their meeting, matters of mutual interest, including the coronavirus pandemic, bilateral co-operation, regional connectivity, and regional peace and security were discussed.
Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood was present at the meeting.
The prime minister underlined that Pakistan and Uzbekistan enjoy good relations.
Khan recalled his last meeting with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and mentioned that Pakistan keenly awaits his visit.
The prime minister also highlighted the potential for enhanced trade with increased regional connectivity as a result of various railway projects.
Umurzaqov conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the Uzbek president and noted that Mirziyoyev is looking forward to visiting Pakistan.
On behalf of Mirziyoyev, he also extended an invitation to Khan to visit Uzbekistan.
He also expressed Uzbekistan’s desire to have improved economic relations with Pakistan.
Underlining that there is no military solution to the conflict in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Khan highlighted Pakistan’s positive contribution to the Afghan peace process.
He stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan is of paramount importance for Pakistan and the region.
Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to work with Uzbekistan to strengthen mutually beneficial co-operation, bilaterally and in the region.
Prime Minister Khan: his government and the UNDP share the same objectives.
