A memorandum of understanding was signed between the Punjab government and Google on Monday to cement cooperation in the information technology sector. Under the agreement Google will provide technical assistance to the Arfa Software Technology Park. The internet giant will provide online access to the historical and tourist attractions of the province to promote 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, Planning and Development Chairman, Irrigation Secretary, Information Technology Board Chairman and representatives from Google were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, the CM welcomed the agreement with Google and said access to Punjab’s tourist sites will promote awareness about modern and ancient Lahore as well as its historical and cultural heritage.

Thanking Google he said the Punjab government was implementing a comprehensive information technology programme and measures were also being taken for the speedy execution of the land record computerisation project. He also asked Google for its assistance for the project. He stated that Google could inform the world about the projects undertaken by the Punjab government, including information about the Daanish schools that educated under-privileged children as well as the establishment of IT labs in more than four thousand schools in Punjab.

William Fitzgerald said the interaction between the Punjab government and Google was a welcome beginning adding that Google was also involved in providing relief to the people affected by the floods.

He said access to Punjab’s historical and tourist sites will promote awareness about the cultural traditions and the Punjabi civilisation.

He stated that the agreement was the beginning of mutual interaction between the Punjab government and Google and that cooperation would be enhanced further in this regard.