Punjab, China partner on smart farming

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in China on Tuesday on a four-day official visit and discussed ways to enhance cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, livestock and other sectors with Communist Party of China (CPC) Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee Secretary Chen Xiaojiang.

The two sides agreed on adopting advanced aerial vehicles, water levelling and digital crop monitoring systems to promote agriculture.

They agreed to promote partnership in the agriculture, irrigation and livestock sectors.

Detailed discussions were held on prospects for cooperation in irrigation, mechanisation and livestock.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz offered cooperation in agricultural mechanisation, water-efficient irrigation and livestock development.

The two sides also agreed on the use of tested Chinese seeds to improve productivity. They stressed the need to promote exchange of delegations between Punjab and China and strengthen people-to-people contacts.

The discussion also covered development, regional stability and enhanced cooperation in line with China's international strategy.

The chief minister said Punjab played a key role in meeting the country's wheat, maize, sugarcane and rice requirements.

"Punjab wants to benefit from Xinjiang's experience in corporate farming," she said.

The chief minister said the Punjab government wanted to expand cooperation with China in agriculture, industry, minerals and new technologies.

She thanked the CPC Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee secretary for a warm reception accorded to her.

The meeting was also attended by CPC Xinjiang Uygur Deputy Secretary He Zhongyu, Head of Publicity Department Wang Jinzhen, Executive Vice Governor Zhang Yingchen and Provincial Deputy Secretary General Li Qiyong.

Senior Chinese officials and diplomats welcomed the chief minister earlier at Urumqi International Airport.

Chinese Consul General in Pakistan Sun Weidong had seen her off at the Lahore airport before her departure for China.

The chief minister began her official engagements at the Kunlun Hall of the Xinjiang State Guest House, where she held a series of high-level meetings.

She also met a delegation of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.

A dinner was also hosted in honour of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz and her delegation.