Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain met Austrian
Ambassador to Pakistan Wolfgang Oliver Kutschera to discuss economic cooperation and
investment opportunities. The meeting was held at PISC House on Friday. Both sides discussed
ways to strengthen business relations and encourage Austrian investment in different sectors of
Punjab.

During the meeting both sides agreed to explore cooperation in several important sectors.
These included hydropower generation and technical education along with agriculture and
tourism. They also discussed opportunities in garments and leather manufacturing. Other areas
included footwear and livestock as well as dairy farming.

Chaudhry Shafay Hussain briefed the Austrian Ambassador about investment opportunities in
Punjab’s Special Economic Zones (SEZs). He said the provincial government has developed
modern industrial facilities in these zones. He added that billions of rupees have been invested
to improve infrastructure according to international standards.

The minister also explained that the Federal Government has approved a new industrial policy
following Punjab’s initiative. Under this policy investors can obtain land on lease for establishing
industrial units. The lease period will range from 30 to 50 years in different industrial estates.
The provincial minister said Punjab offers several investment opportunities for Austrian
businesses. He especially highlighted the energy sector and the potential for hydropower
projects. He explained that Austria has advanced knowledge and technology in hydropower
generation. Punjab wants to benefit from this experience to develop its energy resources.
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain also discussed the possibility of building small dams with Austrian
cooperation. He said these projects could be completed within two to three years. Such
cooperation could help improve energy production and support development in different areas of
Punjab.

The minister further highlighted the provincial government’s focus on agriculture and industrial
development. He said Punjab is working to promote agro-based industries and improve seed
development. He invited Austrian companies to explore investment opportunities in these fields.
Both sides also discussed the possibility of establishing joint ventures in dairy farming.

Another important area discussed during the meeting was wastewater treatment. The minister
said Austria has experience and expertise in this field. He added that cooperation could help
Punjab improve its wastewater management facilities and introduce modern treatment methods.
Chaudhry Shafay Hussain also highlighted the industrial importance of Gujrat. He said the city
has strong experience in furniture and fan manufacturing. He explained that an internationally
recognised furniture college and an IT university are being established in the city. These
institutions are expected to support technical education and strengthen local industries.
Austrian Ambassador Wolfgang Oliver Kutschera said Austria and Pakistan have maintained
diplomatic and economic relations for several decades. He stressed the need to take further
practical steps to strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The ambassador appreciated the Punjab Government’s efforts to promote economic activities
across the province. He also said Austria would explore opportunities to work with the provincial
government in different sectors. He specifically mentioned the possibility of developing small
hydropower projects in Punjab.

Austrian Honorary Consul General Sarmad Amin and Managing Director of the Punjab Small
Industries Corporation Mubeen Elahi also attended the meeting. Other officials were present
during the discussion.

The meeting highlighted opportunities for stronger economic relations between Punjab and
Austria. Cooperation in energy and agriculture could support investment and industrial growth.
Both sides expressed interest in exploring practical projects that could benefit businesses and
local communities.

Source: News report provided

Habib

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