Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said on Thursday that Chinese cooperation was strengthening Pakistan’s economy.
He was talking to Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing, who called on him at his office. During the meeting, various matters of mutual interest, including the promotion of Pakistan-China relations, China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related projects and expansion of bilateral cooperation in different sectors came under discussion.
Both sides agreed to expand partnership for investment in special economic zones, agriculture, technical and vocational training, tourism, social sector and public-private partnership. The Chinese ambassador announced to open a branch in Lahore for the issuance of visas. “Pakistani citizens will be facilitated in the issuance of Chinese visa due to the opening of the branch in Lahore, which will be functional from next month,” the ambassador said.
Talking on the occasion, the chief minister said that the Pakistan-China economic relations were touching new heights.
“CPEC related projects are very important in the journey of durable development in the country. The Punjab government is setting up new economic zones where Chinese investors will be given facilities and incentives. Pakistan-China economic relations will be boosted through public-private partnership as Punjab government is going to set up a public-private partnership authority.
The durable development of the social sector is an important priority of the incumbent government and Chinese cooperation is appreciable in this regard,” he said.
He said that the government was interested in utilising the latest Chinese technology in agriculture, tourism and technical and vocational training sectors. “Punjab government is establishing technical universities in Dera Ghazi Khan and Mandi Bahauddin,” he added. He said that a separate park was being set up in southern Punjab for the promotion of agro-based industries. The Chinese investors should take benefit of investment opportunities in special economic zones. He said that Chinese development was a role-model for Pakistan and Chinese experiences would be fully benefitted by the government to make a new Pakistan. Buzdar said that the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf government was committed to the elimination of corruption and far-reaching steps were being taken to bring back the looted money of the people.
The Chinese ambassador said that Punjab was moving towards the journey of development under the leadership of the chief minister and added that investment opportunities in special economic zones would be beneficial.
“The public-private partnership will benefit both the countries as we want to further enhance cooperation with the Punjab government for the development of the social sector.
China is standing with Pakistan in the journey of development and the historic China-Pakistan friendship will be further strengthened. Punjab has an important place in the economy of the country and China will extend every possible cooperation for expanding collaboration in different sectors,” he added. Chinese Consul General Long Dingbin, Chinese officials and others were also present on the occasion.
