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MULTAN, Jul 16 (APP):Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren visited the South Punjab Secretariat and held a meeting with Additional Chief Secretary South Punjab Fuad Hashim Rabbani on Wednesday.
Zhao Shiren expressed his delight at visiting the historic city of Multan and noted that this was his first official visit to South Punjab. He said that the visit marks another step toward strengthening the Pakistan-China friendship. The primary objective of his visit, he stated, was to foster cooperation and expand strategic partnerships between the two sides.
Highlighting the impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the Consul General said that the initiative would bring prosperity to the South Punjab region as well.
Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Fuad Hashim Rabbani briefed the Consul General about South Punjab’s strategic importance, calling it the “food basket of Pakistan.” He informed that under the CPEC framework, 650 acres of land have been allocated in Jalalpur Pirwala for the establishment of a Special Economic Zone.
The ACS also highlighted major achievements of the South Punjab Secretariat, including the timely completion of numerous mega projects in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. These projects, stand out even in comparison to other provinces, he added.
Rabbani pointed out that livestock contributes 65% to the agricultural GDP, which is why the region was focusing on livestock development. In the first phase, Bahawalnagar district was being declared free from Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD). He further noted the vast potential for halal meat export from South Punjab.
The ACS also mentioned the successful launch of shrimp farming in Muzaffargarh and highlighted the opportunities for tourism development in the region. Efforts were underway to restore historic forts in Cholistan to their original state and to promote eco-tourism, he added.
He emphasized that South Punjab, comprising nearly half of Punjab’s landmass, still has a long journey of development ahead. Notably, 58% of the region’s labor force was engaged in agriculture.
During the visit, the Chinese Consul General also met with Special Secretaries of various departments, who provided him with detailed briefings. The meeting concluded with a comprehensive review of possible avenues for enhanced collaboration and public-private partnerships in multiple sectors.