Punjab to welcome Chinese investors: CM

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has said the Chinese investors would be provided facilities and special incentives for setting up industries in the province.

Buzdar said the provincial government was thankful to China for extending cooperation on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects in the province and the relations between the two countries were growing stronger.

He expressed these views while addressing a joint cooperation committee meeting through a video link under the CPEC Authority on Thursday.

Buzdar thanked the Chinese government for cooperation with the Punjab government and stated that the completion of CPEC projects in Punjab will give further impetus to Pakistan-China relations.

He pointed out that Punjab has the highest share in the national GDP and invited the Chinese investors as the Punjab government provided a conducive environment for business.

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“The Chinese investors will be provided every facility for setting up industry and special incentives will be provided to them,” he added.

While giving updates about the CPEC-related projects in the province, the CM informed the participants of the meeting that Special Economic Zone Allama Iqbal Industrial City has been operationalised in Faisalabad. As much as 1,050 acres of land is earmarked for China Zone in it while land lease policy is in the final stage being given final shape for the benefit for Chinese investors, the CM disclosed.

He also announced to welcome Chinese assistance for establishing zones free from foot and mouth disease for animals in Punjab and pointed out that the agriculture sector has a lot of growth potential in CPEC phase-II.

“Though the last one and a half year’s period has proved very tough for Pakistan and global economies, the Punjab government has made significant progress in completing on-going CPEC-related projects,” the CM added.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 24^th, 2021.