Channi: Will approach Centre to resume trade with Pakistan

To give impetus to the state’s economy, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi has appealed to the Centre to resume trade with Pakistan.

The CM was here as a chief guest at the valedictory function of Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) today.

Conceding to the demand raised by state Congress president Navjot Singh Sidhu in his address earlier, the CM said he would soon write to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging him to resume the India-Pakistan trade through the Attari-Wagah border.

Five academic chairs at Guru Nanak Dev university

• CM Channi inaugurated five academic chairs — Dr BR Ambedkar Chair, Sant Kabir Chair, Bhai Jiwan Singh/Bhai Jaita Ji Chair, Makhan Shah Lubana Chair and Bhagwan Valmiki Chair — at the GNDU
• The CM said the grant for the chairs would be given by the state. He also announced that GNDU would set up a sangeet academy dedicated to celebrated singer Gurmeet Bawa, who passed away in November

He, meanwhile, announced an exhibition-cum-convention centre here, which has been hanging fire for the past few years. The state government wanted to establish the project under the PPP mode, but it could not materialise. A tract of 10 acres has been earmarked for the project.

“The foundation stone will be laid within a week. The centre will enable the PHD Chambers of Commerce and Industry to carry out business activities, including the PITEX, on a large scale. This will help boost the economy,” said the CM.

To boost economy

The trade with Pakistan will not only boost the state’s economy, but also that of the country. If the international trade can be carried out via the sea route, what is the problem in doing so through land? —Charanjit Singh Channi, Chief Minister

He further said a digital single-window system would soon be introduced. It would enable industrialists to get approvals for their projects in a seamless and transparent manner. “The government plans to introduce syllabus for educational institutions keeping in view the skills required for the industrial sector,” said Channi.

Sidhu, in his address, said his vision for the state went beyond 2022, for which a roadmap had be framed. “The CM and I will implement a better Punjab model.”

The CM inspected 450 stalls set up at PITEX and awarded Sonalika the “Best Indoor Stall” award, while JAL Company bagged the “Best Outdoor Stall” award.