LAHORE: British Department for International Development (DFID) Head Joanna Reid met Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday to discuss ongoing programmes in education, health and skill development sectors. Joanna Reid appreciated the performance of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on progress in reforms programme for improvement in education, health and skill development sectors in Punjab and said that the steps taken by Shahbaz Sharif in these sectors were worthy of appreciation. Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that Pakistan and Britain are partners of each other in the journey of development, adding that collaboration between Punjab government and DFID has increased and the cooperation of DFID in education, health and skill development sectors is appreciable. He said that the system of development of education and health sectors and provision of best facilities to the masses would be further improved. Shahbaz said Punjab government has decided to expand the scope of skill development programme to 36 districts, adding that all out resources are being provided for empowering the youth through skill development and target of the government is to make millions of youth of the province a quality skilled force in next two years. He said that policy of transparency and high standard is implemented at every level in Punjab and the government is spending every penny by considering a trust of the nation. “Timely and correct use of resources is essential for best service delivery to the masses,” he CM added. Punjab Schools Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Health Advisor Khawaja Salman Rafique, Planning and Development chairman, Industry secretary, Primary and Secondary Health secretary, Schools Education special secretary and concerned officials besides senior authorities of DFID were present on the occasion. Meets agri experts: A delegation, led by International Fund for Agriculture Development Vice President Michel Mordasini, called on Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif on Thursday. Matters with regard to increasing cooperation in agriculture, livestock and dairy development sectors in Punjab were discussed in the meeting. The delegation appreciated the vision of Shahbaz Sharif on the programme for improvement of agri sector and welfare of small cultivators in Punjab. Michel Mordasini said that Punjab government is implementing a comprehensive programme of welfare of rural development and taking solid steps for upliftment of agri sector under the able leadership of Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif. He said that collaboration would be continued with Punjab government in future as well. Talking to the delegation, the chief minister said that the agri economy of Punjab has a remarkable place and progress of agriculture is linked to the prosperity of Pakistan. He said that Punjab government has announced historic package of Rs 100 billion for prosperity of farmers, adding that the government is making efforts for increasing per acre yield through use of modern technology, which would increase the income of the farmers. Shahbaz said that equipping rural population with skill development is a challenge and collective efforts are needed in this regard. “International Fund for Agriculture Development can provide technical assistance for skill development so that the youth of rural areas can be made skillful. Skill development has to be promoted for the development of agri sector on permanent basis and achieving targets,” he added. The chief minister said that there are also vast opportunities in livestock sector and new era of development and prosperity of rural population can usher by benefitting from them. Provincial ministers Dr Farrukh Javed, Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Special Assistant on Livestock Arshad Jutt and concerned authorities were present on the occasion.