ISLAMABAD, MAR 18 /DNA/ – Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif had a meeting with the newly-appointed Chinese Consul General  in Lahore, Sun Yan, in which both sides agreed to further promote strategic cooperation and CPEC. She termed Pakistan-China friendship as unparalleled, and expressed gratitude for China’s cooperation in defense collaboration and reducing tensions with other countries.

She congratulated the new Consul General on his posting in Lahore, and praised his diplomatic skills. Both leaders emphasized on strategic partnership and friendship between Pakistan and China, and agreed to expand economic and cultural exchanges in collaboration with Punjab government and Chinese Consulate.

They vowed to further strengthen Pakistan-China friendship, and stressed on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy, and information technology. H.E. Sun Yan extended Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif an invitation to visit Chine, which she accepted with thanks.

Chief Minister Punjab said that China has played a vital role in Pakistan’s regional security, sovereignty, and development. She added that Punjab seeks to strengthen cooperation with Chinese partners in industrial development, technical collaboration, and urban management, as Punjab aims for economic growth through industrialization, logistics corridors, and technology partnerships under CPEC.

 She highlighted that they greatly value long-standing friendship between Pakistan and China. The newly-appointed Chineses Consul General H.E. Sun Yan noted that Sino-Pak relations are a shining example of strategic trust, mutual respect, and unwavering solidarity. He said that Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to regional peace, stability, development, and its consistent principled support for China at international forums is commendable.

He expressed his desire to further strengthen economic cooperation with businesses and development partners in Punjab. He underscored rhat China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) remains a transformative engine of regional connectivity.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that Punjab is establishing Special Economic Zones (SEZs) for the Chinese investors, as Allama Iqbal Industrial City in Faisalabad and Garments City in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park are ready for the Chinese investors.

She added that Punjab is offering foreign investors investment opportunities in textiles, agriculture, renewable energy, electric mobility, waste management, and IT. She flashed that Punjab is not only establishing a dedicated China Desk and Business Facilitation Centers for Chinese companies, but institutions like Punjab Board of Investment and Trade are also creating a business-friendly investment environment.

Chief Minister Punjab said that Punjab’s economic zones are being designed as ‘Industrial Gateways’ for Chinese investment; as they focus on export manufacturing, supply chain integration, and long-term industrial partnerships. She added that Plug and Play model Garments City in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, with ready infrastructure and utilities, is a point of interest for the foreign investors.

She noted that Chinese companies are making a valuable contribution to technology transfer, industrial diversification, and employment generation in Punjab. She expressed her resolve that safety of Chinese citizens and projects is a top priority for Punjab government, as it is committed to providing a safe and friendly business environment for Chinese nationals and investors working in the province.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that cooperation between Punjab government and China is based on a vision of strengthening collaboration, innovation, and economic ties. She added that Punjab seeks to enhance cooperation with China in innovation, green development, and advanced manufacturing. She acknowledged that China is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a major investor in infrastructure and energy projects.