Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi has said that industrial and economic relations between Pakistan and China are based on sound foundations, which are strengthening with the passage of time. He was talking to a Chinese delegation led by newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Lou Zhaohui, here on Monday.
'China is playing a commendable role in socio-economic development of Pakistan while the government is establishing separate industrial zones for Chinese investors in Lahore, Faisalabad and other industrial estates so that they could be provided maximum facilities', the CM said.
He further said that Pak-China friendship spanned over decades and its positive impacts were visible in every sector. He added that 500 acres of land had been allocated for the establishment of industrial zones by Chinese investors in Faisalabad Industrial City where China National Power Company was also setting up a power plant.
He said that land had also been provided for the establishment of separate industrial zone for Chinese investors in Chinese Industrial Park on Lahore-Rawalpindi Motorway as well as Sundar Industrial Estate.
He said that a special cell had been established at Chief Minister's House for the convenience of Chinese investors so that hurdles in the way of investment could be removed and a favourable atmosphere could be provided for investment.
The CM said that there was a wide scope of further cooperation between the two countries in mining, power generation, machinery, chemicals, building materials, cement, textile and food items.
He said that there were vast opportunities for China for investment in power generation sector to meet the shortage of electricity. He said that the agreements signed in economic sector between Punjab and Jiangsu during his visit to China were being implemented and would yield positive results.
He said that people of Pakistan had a deep love for Chinese leadership and they demonstrated these sentiments during the visit of Chinese President to Lahore. He said that Chinese President won the hearts of Lahorites during his visit to the city, which would also leave far-reaching impacts.
The Chinese Ambassador, Lou Zhaohui appreciated the measures taken by the Punjab government for the benefit of Chinese investors and said that bilateral relations between Pakistan and China in education and economic sectors would further strengthen in future.
He said that a delegation of Chinese investors and traders would visit Punjab in August this year due to which investment and cooperation between the two countries would increase in various sectors. The Chinese Ambassador said that Lahore was an important historical, cultural and business center and he was deeply impressed with the love and hospitality of the people of the city.