Ties with China touching greater heights: Maryam

LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has said that decades-old brotherly relations with China were moving towards greater heights.

“Visit to China is a true reflection of strong bilateral relations and shared commitment to development,” said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif while addressing Punjab Investment Conference in China. She added, “The visit highlighted Punjab’s status as an international investment hub. It has shown that there is a strong desire to strengthen strategic cooperation on both sides.” She hoped, “Punjab Investment Conference will prove to be a great success.”

The CM said, “Punjab’s strategic location, skilled workforce and business-friendly policies make it an ideal destination for the global business. We are also taking steps in collaboration with our Chinese friends to make clean energy more affordable and accessible.” She added, “The interest of Chinese investors is a reflection of their confidence in Punjab’s development and our shared vision of a bright future.”

She highlighted, “Pak-China cooperation will help in adopting a strategy to reduce and better manage environmental pollution. Our focus is on sustainable development.” She noted, “China’s growing industry is worthy of imitation.” Maryam said, “My visit to China is a historic turning point for Punjab.” She added, “China Visit is my first official foreign trip that shows the importance of further strengthening relations with China. I had the opportunity to meet business executives from agriculture, health, finance, automobile, IT, semiconductors, and robotics companies. Punjab institutions can benefit immensely by partnering with the Chinese companies.” She flagged, “I have come with a special package for the Chinese investors, which includes special incentives for the Chinese businesses.”

The CM said, “Chinese companies have responded very positively. We are taking discussions forward with some of them. The visit to China will lay foundation for investment in Punjab and possible joint ventures with Chinese businesses.” She added, “The partnership between Pakistan and China has been strong through thick and thin.”

Maryam acknowledged, “During my first official visit to China, the Chinese leadership showed warmth and wonderful hospitality.” She said, “The visit to China shows the determination of Punjab government to strengthen relations with China. It is an honour and joy for me to observe first-hand China’s brilliant achievements and rapid development.” She added, “China has presented unique and worth studying models of development to the world.”

She said, “The political vision and development of Chinese government are role model. Chinese economic policy is in line with its governance structure.” She added, “Chinese President Xi Jinping’s philosophy of “shared destiny and shared prosperity” is based on human values, beyond borders. The Chinese people are winning hearts of the world not through military power but through their good behaviour and care for humanity.” She underscored, “I salute the wise leadership of President Xi Jinping.”

Maryam said, “China’s success in controlling air pollution in Beijing is an example for the whole world.” She added, “By emulating China, significant steps will be taken in Punjab for clean air and a healthy future.” She underscored, “China should cooperate in the development of Punjab’s modern environmental management system, which includes monitoring networks and real-time data analytics. China has been requested to provide training programs for government officials in environmental legislation, policymaking, and implementation mechanisms.”

The CM said, “China’s advocacy for developing countries at COP29 is commendable. It is hoped that developed countries will fulfil their promises to meet the financial needs of developing countries.” She added, “The CPEC has had a very positive impact on Pakistan’s socioeconomic conditions. Under CPEC 2.0, we are committed to promoting high-quality development. More attention will be paid to renewable energy projects.”

Maryam said, “The Punjab government is committed to partnering with China in environmental policymaking, implementation of clean technologies and green projects.” She added, “I have met the Chinese companies which are keen to invest in modernising the agriculture sector. Technology and investment can improve traditional industries and promote economic growth. The visit opened new doors to potential partnerships in the health sector as well.”

Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz, while paying tribute to the martyrs of the Army Public School (APS) Peshawar, said: “10 years have passed since the Army Public School Peshawar tragedy, but the pain is still alive.”

She added, “The dark morning of December 16, 2014 is etched in the hearts of every Pakistani.” She said, “Terrorists brutally targeted 147 innocent children and their teachers.” She highlighted, “The tragedy of December 16 was not only an attack on the school but also on humanity, education and the bright future of Pakistan.”

The chief minister said, “It is our responsibility to turn into reality the dream of a better Pakistan of 147 martyrs of the APS tragedy.” She flagged, “We will die only after winning the war against terrorism.”