His Excellency Punjab Governor Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar, Chief Guest

Mr. Sohail Tabba, Mr. Miyahara, Mr. Manzoor, Mr. Asif Jooma, members of the local
administration, esteemed ladies and gentlemen.
Assalamalaikum.
It is an honour for me to be the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony of NutriCo Morinaga
Plant in Sheikhupura. The inauguration of this state-of-the-art infant formula manufacturing facility
exemplifies the trust of private and overseas investors in the Government of Pakistan.
The Punjab Government is keen to create a business-friendly environment to attract local and
foreign investment in the province. The Government of Punjab has already initiated a new
industrial policy, in addition to taking many other measures to promote ease of doing business.
These measures include a focus on the upgrade of infrastructure, adoption of technology and
encouraging easy access to capital for business development.
This newly inaugurated NutriCo Morinaga facility is a testament of the favourable environment for
investment offered by Prime Minister Imran Khan’s Government and the Punjab Government. The
NutriCo Morinaga Plant is not just a manufacturing facility, but the coming together of two brotherly
countries – Pakistan and Japan. It is a reflection of Japan’s goodwill and friendship to the
Government and the people of Pakistan and will contribute to strengthen the friendly ties between
the two countries.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank ICI Pakistan Limited, Unibrands and Morinaga Milk
Industry Co. Limited for investing in this project to contribute to Pakistan’s economic and social
development. As a large national company, ICI Pakistan has always focussed on achieving
sustainable growth by investing in the business and offering new products and solutions to its
customers. This complements Prime Minister Imran Khan’s and the Government of Punjab’s
vision of strengthening the local industry for strong, indigenous growth.
The Punjab government wholeheartedly welcomes the setting up of this production facility in
Sheikhupura. Through this new facility, the country will also benefit from technology transfer and
creation of direct and indirect employment opportunities in the Sheikhupura town and overall
Punjab as well.
Health and nutrition remains a top priority for the Punjab Government. If Pakistan is to achieve its
true potential, we believe that the future generations of this country must be provided with
adequate health and nutrition. By ensuring health and nutrition for the children, we can save lives,
reduce illness and help alleviate poverty. Overcoming malnutrition is the Government’s top priority
and the concerned ministries have been engaged in efforts to address the issue of stunted growth
in children.
The Government of Punjab plans to provide the maximum budget for social sectors. We plan to
establish nine new hospitals including five child and mothers’ hospitals in different cities of Punjab.
The Sehat Insaf Scheme has been launched in several districts of Punjab to provide the people
with quality healthcare facilities. The Sehat Insaf Card would provide an opportunity to the white-
collar people to get free-of-cost treatment facility from the private hospitals in a dignified manner.
These initiatives, along with our aim to ensure 100% success of the anti-polio campaign, reflect
the Punjab Government’s commitment to building a healthier Pakistan.
I am confident that the NutriCo Morinaga Plant in Sheikhupura will provide safe, clean and
hygienic infant formula products. This will help the Government achieve its vision of overcoming
stunted growth and malnutrition, especially in children under the age of five years.
I would like to conclude my speech by congratulating ICI Pakistan Limited, Unibrands and
Morinaga Milk Industry Co. Limited on setting up this manufacturing facility. I assure you that the
Government remains committed to working together with the business community for national
progress.
Thank you.