Punjab showcased as investment hub: CM

Expresses optimism for Chinese support against pollution

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said that her visit to China was a reflection of strong bilateral relations and a shared commitment to development.

Addressing the Punjab Investment Conference in China, said, "The visit has highlighted Punjab's status as an international investment hub. It has shown that there is a strong desire to strengthen strategic cooperation on both sides." She expressed hope that the conference would prove to be a great success.

The chief minister said, "Punjab's strategic location, skilled workforce and business-friendly policies make it an ideal destination for the global business. We are also taking steps in collaboration with our Chinese friends to make clean energy more affordable and accessible." She said the interest shown by Chinese investors demonstrated their confidence in Punjab's development and the shared vision of a bright future.

She highlighted, "Pakistan-China cooperation will help in adopting a strategy to reduce and better manage environmental pollution. Our focus is on sustainable development." The chief minister added, "I had the opportunity to meet business executives from agriculture, health, finance, automobile, IT, semiconductors and robotics companies. Punjab's institutions can benefit immensely by partnering with the Chinese companies."

She said, "I have come with a special package for the Chinese investors, which includes special incentives for the Chinese businesses."

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said Chinese companies had responded very positively. "We are taking discussions forward with some of them. The visit to China will lay the foundation for investment in Punjab and possible joint ventures with Chinese businesses. The partnership between Pakistan and China has been strong through thick and thin."

She added, "China has presented unique and worth studying models of development to the world. Chinese President Xi Jinping's philosophy of 'shared destiny and shared prosperity' is based on human values beyond borders.

The Chinese people are winning hearts of the world not through military power but through their good behaviour and care for humanity."

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "China's success in controlling air pollution in Beijing is an example for the whole world. By emulating China, significant steps will be taken in Punjab for clean air and a healthy future.

China should cooperate in the development of Punjab's modern environmental management system, which includes monitoring networks and realtime data analytics. China has been requested to provide training programmes for government officials in environmental legislation, policymaking and implementation mechanisms."

She added, "CPEC has had a very positive impact on Pakistan's socioeconomic conditions. Under CPEC 2.0, we are committed to promoting high-quality development. More attention will be paid to renewable energy projects."

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said,"Punjab government is committed to partnering with China in envi-ronmental policymaking, implementation of clean technologies and green projects."

She said, "I have met the Chinese companies which are keen to invest in modernising the agriculture sector. The visit opened new doors to potential partnerships in the health sector as well."