A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Punjab government and Google for cooperation in information technology (IT) sector at Arfa Software Technology Park, here on Monday.
Under the agreement, Google will provide access to the historical and tourist attractions of the province on internet to promote worldwide awareness about the rich heritage of the province.
Tourism secretary Dr. Allah Bakhsh Malik and William Fitzgerald of Google Asia signed the document. Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, provincial finance minister Kamran Michael, the Planning & Development chairman, the Irrigation secretary, the Information Technology Board chairman and representatives of Google were also present.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister welcomed the agreement with Google for cooperation in information technology and said that access to the historical and tourist sites of Punjab through Google mailing and internet would promote awareness about the modern and ancient Lahore as well as its historical and cultural heritage. He thanked Google and said that Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive programme on information technology.
Measures are also being taken for the speedy execution of land record computerisation project, the CM said and urged Google to extend assistance in the expeditious completion of this project. He said that there were a number of Punjab government projects about which Google could provide information to the world.
The CM said that Pakistan, especially Punjab, was a very important province with regard to tourism and there were a number of tourist attractions and collaboration with Google would be meaningful. Highlighting of these historical and tourist sites on internet through Google will also bring about a positive change in the image of Pakistan in the world, he said, directing the Planning & Development chairman and the Land Record Computerization project director to give a briefing to the Google team on the steps taken by the Punjab government during last four years so that their assistance in these projects could also be solicited.
William Fitzgerald of Google Asia termed the interaction between the Punjab government and Google in information technology a good beginning, saying that Google was engaged in the relief activities f or flood affectees.