Chinese eager to invest in Punjab's agriculture, housing sectors

Twelve-member delegation meets Punjab CM Buzdar

LAHORE: A 12-member delegation of China Engineering Corporation and Henan DR Construction Group in a meeting with Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Saturday showed interest to invest in the agriculture and housing sectors.

They said they were also interested in investing to make the barren land useful for agriculture purpose through modern technology and would also transfer the technology to Punjab for the construction of low-cost houses.

The delegates said they wanted to start the project of housing industrial park and the Chinese group would make investment for the purpose.

On the occasion, CM Buzdar said, “Pakistan and China have an everlasting friendship and this relationship has now gotten a new dimension during the PTI government under the leadership of Imran Khan.”

He said foreign investors had been given immense opportunities in Punjab and “we welcome the interest of Chinese investors in the housing and agriculture sectors”.

The Chinese investors would be given every possible facility, he assured, adding that there was huge potential in the agriculture and housing sectors.

The agriculture sector of Punjab was the backbone of economy and it could be strengthened with the use of modern technology.

The CM said the construction of low-cost houses was the part of PTI manifesto and the New Pakistan Housing Scheme was a revolutionary programme to provide houses to the common man.

He said new facilities and favours had been given to foreign investors in new Pakistan and “we want to benefit from Chinese technology in agriculture and housing sectors”.

The officials of China Engineering Corporation also briefed the CM on the progress on the 1,263 megawatts power project in Jhang.

The delegation also included China Engineering Corporation Chairman Zhang Chun and Vice President Fang Yanshui; and Henan DR Construction Group Chairman Huang Dao Yuan and Deputy Chairman Cheng Cunpan.

Senior Provincial Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Punjab Irrigation Minister Mohsin Leghari, Punjab Agriculture Minister Malik Nouman Ahmed Langrial, Housing Minister Mian Mehmoodur Rasheed, Punjab chief secretary, Punjab Planning and Development Department chairman, secretaries of concerned departments and senior officials were also present.