Lahore, In a significant meeting aimed at bolstering relations between the European Union and Punjab, EU Ambassador Dr. Reena Kavinka met with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to discuss a series of cooperative ventures and policies. The talks focused on enhancing investment, protecting minority rights, and combating climate change effects.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, Chief Minister Sharif praised the ongoing and future projects supported by the European Union, expressing the province’s commitment to ensuring successful implementation. Discussions included measures to increase exports from Punjab to European markets, particularly textiles and rice, and emphasized the importance of joint efforts to address the adverse impacts of climate change.

Dr. Kavinka acknowledged the proactive steps taken by the Punjab government, such as the ‘Chief Minister Plant for Pakistan’ campaign and the introduction of eco-friendly metro buses aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Additionally, a new initiative to ban plastic bags in Punjab from June underscores the region’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

The meeting also highlighted the critical role of the GSP Plus status granted by the EU to Pakistan, which aids the country’s economic recovery by promoting trade and investment. Chief Minister Sharif discussed the government’s efforts in setting up a Smog Control Unit and implementing a comprehensive policy to confront climate challenges, asserting that sustainable development goals are achievable through strengthened economic cooperation and technological exchanges with the EU.