MULTAN, Oct 29 (APP):Chairman Senate, Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, on Thursday stressed the need to promote Multan’s rich historical heritage alongside its industrial and economic potential, saying that concerted efforts were being made to project the ancient city internationally, attract foreign investment and create new opportunities for trade, employment and economic growth.
Addressing executive body and other industrialists at Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry here, Gilani highlighted Multan’s status as one of the world’s oldest living cities, with a history spanning around 5,000 years, and underscored the importance of preserving its cultural identity while transforming it into a vibrant centre of commerce, industry and international cooperation.
He said Multan possessed immense potential to attract international attention through its historical landmarks, cultural heritage, business opportunities and skilled workforce. Promoting the city’s heritage and economic strengths together could help enhance its national and international profile and open new avenues for investment and development.
Referring to efforts to strengthen Multan’s international links, Gilani highlighted engagements with foreign ambassadors including new envoy of Saudi Arabia to Pakistan aimed at introducing the city’s industrial capabilities and investment opportunities to the international community.
“Recently, Saudi ambassador called on me. I invited him to visit Multan so that we could show city of Saint culture and heritage to a dignitary,” he remarked.
He emphasized that sustained interaction with diplomatic missions could help establish stronger commercial ties, encourage technology transfer and facilitate access to global markets for local businesses.
The chairman said the Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) had an important role to play in promoting the city’s business community, facilitating engagement with foreign investors and identifying opportunities for industrial expansion and exports.
He stressed the need to strengthen economic zones, encourage industrial development and explore new markets for locally manufactured products. Greater attention should also be given to information technology, technical education and skills development to improve the competitiveness of the local workforce and support export-oriented economic activity.
Highlighting the importance of youth in national development, Gilani said nearly 60 per cent of Pakistan’s population comprised people below the age of 30, making young people one of the country’s most valuable assets.
He said the country needed to equip its young population with market-oriented skills, modern technical knowledge and information technology expertise to enable them to benefit from employment opportunities at home and abroad.
He emphasized that closer coordination between educational institutions, technical training centres, industry and international partners was essential to bridge the gap between workforce skills and market requirements.
He also referred to educational development, including Cadet College Multan, BZU Gilani Law College stressing that investment in education and institutional capacity was vital to preparing future generations for leadership and professional responsibilities.
Gilani emphasized continued cooperation with the government, parliamentarians and relevant parliamentary committees to address regional development needs, improve infrastructure and generate employment opportunities.
He said coordinated efforts by public institutions, the business community and other stakeholders were necessary to translate Multan’s potential into tangible economic benefits for its people.
Gilani expressed confidence that sustained efforts to promote Multan’s heritage, attract investment, expand industrial activity and empower the youth would contribute to regional development and national economic stability.
He informed with launching of South Airways flights from Multan to different domestic destination including, Karachi, Lahore, Bahawalpur, RYKhan and Gawadar had begun which was a great facility for passengers of the region.
He congratulated the newly elected body of MCCI through elections held in last month.
Earlier, in his welcome address, MCCI president, Dr Shafiq Khan Patafi lauded the services of Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani as former PM for South Punjab and termed him Mohsin-I-Multan (Benefactor of Multan).
He demanded of Special Economic Zone and building of an Expo Centre in Multan.
He also suggested construction of an IT park in Multan which was a dire need of the hour for youth of South Punjab.
Known Industrialists, Mian Faisal Mukhtiar, Asif Majeed, Kh M. Yousaf, Mian Rashid Iqbal, Mian Amir Naseem, SVP, Azhar Tipu, VP, Sheikh Abdul Wahab and others were in attendance.
Later, Senior member MCCI Sheikh Fazal Elahi extended vote of thanks.
Source: APP (Associated Press of Pakistan)
