Lahore (TDI): Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Punjab province and China’s newly appointed consul general in Lahore have pledged to expand cooperation across key sectors, signaling renewed momentum in Pakistan–China economic and diplomatic engagement at the provincial level.
During a meeting in the provincial capital, both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration between the Punjab government and the Chinese Consulate, with a focus on boosting economic and cultural exchanges.
The discussions highlighted opportunities in trade, infrastructure, energy, and information technology, reflecting a broader push to deepen bilateral ties under evolving regional dynamics.
Maryam Nawaz described the Pakistan–China relationship as “unparalleled,” reiterating Punjab’s commitment to fostering long-term partnerships with Chinese stakeholders.
She emphasized that the province is actively positioning itself as a hub for foreign investment, particularly through the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) designed to attract Chinese industries.
The chief minister noted that industrial projects such as Allama Iqbal Industrial City and Quaid-e-Azam Business Park are ready to host Chinese investors, offering infrastructure and incentives aimed at facilitating rapid business setup.
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She also underscored the province’s focus on emerging sectors including renewable energy, electric mobility, agriculture, and information technology.
The Chinese envoy, in turn, reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening its “all-weather” strategic partnership with Pakistan, describing bilateral relations as a model of mutual trust and cooperation.
He expressed interest in expanding economic engagement with Punjab’s business community and leveraging opportunities under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which remains a cornerstone of bilateral collaboration.
Both sides also stressed the importance of people-to-people connections and cultural exchanges, viewing them as essential to sustaining long-term cooperation.
The envoy extended an invitation to the chief minister to visit China, which she accepted, signaling continued high-level engagement between the two sides.
Security assurances for Chinese nationals working in Punjab were also reiterated, with Maryam Nawaz stating that ensuring a safe and business-friendly environment remains a top priority for her government.
