China offered investment gateways

CM Maryam accepts invitation to visit neighbouring country

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has accepted an invitation to visit China.

The chief minister met the newly appointed Consul General of China in Lahore, Sun Yan, and congratulated him on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities.

During the meeting, the Chinese consul general invited the chief minister to visit China and she accepted the invitation with thanks.

Both leaders agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation and promote the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif appreciated China's continued defence cooperation with Pakistan and its role in helping ease tensions with other countries, describing the friendship between Pakistan and China as exemplary.

Both leaders reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China friendship and working together for shared prosperity.

Both sides emphasised enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy and information technology while expanding economic and cultural exchanges between the government of Punjab and the Chinese consulate.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif stated that China has played an important role in Pakistan's regional security, sovereignty and development.

She said Punjab is keen to strengthen cooperation with Chinese partners in industrial development, technological collaboration and urban management.

She highlighted that Punjab aims to accelerate economic growth through industrialisation, logistics corridors and technology partnerships under CPEC.

She said the province is developing Special Economic Zones for Chinese investors, including opportunities at the Allama Iqbal Industrial City and Quaid-i-Azam Business Park, where a Garments City is being set up for Chinese investors.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said Punjab is offering opportunities for foreign investors in textiles, agriculture, renewable energy, electric mobility, waste management and information technology.

She added that dedicated China desks and business facilitation centres have been established to support Chinese companies.

The chief minister stated that economic zones in Punjab have been designed as industrial gateways for Chinese investment, focusing on export-oriented manufacturing, supply chain integration and long-term industrial partnerships. The plug-and-play Garments City at Quaid-i-Azam Business Park is being developed with ready infrastructure and utilities to attract foreign investors.

She emphasised that Chinese companies are contributing significantly to technology transfer, industrial diversification and employment generation in the province. Ensuring the security of Chinese citizens and projects remains a priority for the government of Punjab, which is committed to providing a safe and business-friendly environment for Chinese investors, she stressed.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reiterated Punjab's interest in expanding cooperation with China in innovation, green development and advanced manufacturing.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Sun Yan said China deeply values its longstanding friendship with Pakistan.

He described Sino–Pakistan relations as a shining example of strategic trust, mutual respect and unwavering solidarity.

He also appreciated Pakistan's firm commitment to regional peace, stability and development and expressed interest in strengthening economic cooperation with businesses and development partners in Punjab.