Visit to New Zealand by Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of Planning, Development & Reforms (7-10 M

Prof. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister of Planning, Development and Reforms, visited New Zealand from 7-10 March 2015 at the invitation of Foreign Minister of New Zealand. New Zealand is co-hosting ICC -World Cup matches and has invited several dignitaries during the tournament. The Minister was hosted by New Zealand’s Trade Minister, Mr. Tim Groser during Pakistan vs South Africa match.

2.         Prof. Ahsan Iqbal met with Minister for Social Development, Ms. Paula Bennett, Minister for Energy and Resources, Mr. Simon Bridges and Members of Parliament of New Zealand including Opposition Labour party leader Mr. Andrew Little. He also held meetings at New Zealand State Services Commission, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and New Zealand Trade Enterprise.

3.         The Minister discussed cooperation with New Zealand in trade and economic areas. He informed them about Pakistan’s geo-strategic location and elaborated on various investment and business opportunities for New Zealand, particularly in Energy and Dairy sectors. He stressed on enhancing cooperation in education sector.

4.         In his meeting with Pakistani PhD scholars and professionals in Auckland and Wellington, he said that Government is making efforts to move into Knowledge Economy and build high quality human resource capital. He informed them about progress made in Pakistan in the last two years in various areas including towards strengthening of democracy. He also briefed them on seven pillars of the roadmap Vision 2025.

5.         Prior to the match on 7 March, the Minister met with Pakistani Cricket Team and also visited their lounge after Pakistan’s stunning victory in the match and congratulated the team for their win.

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Wellington

10 March, 2015