LAHORE: US Ambassador Donald Blome on Tuesday met Ravi Urban Development Authority (Ruda) chief executive officer Imran Amin to discuss business ties between the governments and business communities of both Pakistan and the US.

The delegation was briefed about ongoing projects and the futuristic approach of Pakistan’s first business district, Central Business District Punjab and the riverfront project by the Ruda, said a press release issued by the authority.

It said the guest was also given a detailed presentation on investment potential opportunities, and environmental and economic significance of the Ruda and CBD Punjab in the development of the province. Mr Amin, who also heads the Punjab Central Business District Development Authority, said the interest of foreign governments and the international business community was the confirmation that the CBD made a positive impact on the global economic map.

The US ambassador and the Ruda chief also discussed projects related to wastewater treatment plants.

Ruda projects related to information and communication technology, and a paperless fully digitised environment was also discussed in order to build the largest smart city in Pakistan, it added.

Governor: The US ambassador also called on Punjab Governor Balighur Rehman at the Governor House and discussed the flood situation, scholarships for Pakistani students and bilateral trade.

Speaking on this occasion, the governor said Pakistan valued the long-standing relations with the United States. He said the US cooperation with Pakistan in various fields was appreciable, especially in education, health and trade.

He also asked the ambassador about increasing the Fulbright and other scholarships for Pakistani students. He said many local students were pursuing higher education in the US on Fulbright scholarships.

The US ambassador said bilateral cooperation would further be promoted in various fields.

US Consul General William Makaneole was also present.

Published in Dawn, September 28th, 2022