Chief of Pakistan Muslim League (N) and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif here Sunday emphasised the owners of various Chinese enterprises to look at Pakistan not simply as market for their products but as potential joint manufacturing base.
Nawaz Sharif who spent a busy day here expressed these views during visits to various major-manufacturing units. He also urged these companies to take advantage of the business-friendly policies and special incentives being offered by the Punjab government.
Shenzhen is considering as the showpiece of China growth and development as this was the country's first Special Economic Zone. Before its declaration as Special Economic Zone, Shenzhen was amongst the most backward ruler area of the country. But today it is being engine of growth for the entire region with the city alone having an annual export of over $200 billion annually.
It was with this background that the former prime minister spent entire day visiting the major manufacturing enterprises specially those relating to manufacturing of mobile phone, computers, communication equipment, solar and wind power and auto mobiles.
In all these places Nawaz Sharif was received by the top management and given a detailed briefing on the business particles and their emphasis on massive investment in research and development.
Later, in the evening Nawaz Sharif was hosted to a banquet meeting by the CPC Secretary for the city of Shenzhen Liu Yupo. The two had friendly exchange during the course of which they discussed how the excellent political relationship between Pakistan and China could be translated into meaningful economic co-operation.
The party secretary welcomed the proposals made by Nawaz Sharif and reacted most favourably to the invitation to him to lead a high powered delegation to Pakistan.