LAHORE, Jan 10 (APP):Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Thursday said public-private partnership would further boost Pakistan-China economic relations.
He said, "China is the most trustworthy country and we appreciate Chinese cooperation in the
development of a new Pakistan."He expressed these views in meeting with Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing who called on him here
at his office.
On the occasion, different matters of mutual interest including promotion of Pakistan-China relations
and China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) related initiatives came under discussion.
Pak-China agreed to take collective measures to initiate public-private partnership for giving new
dimensions to bilateral relations, establishment of special economic zones and development of social sector.
CM Punjab said work had been started on the new dimensions of Pakistan-China economic relations
while the CPEC project carried vital importance in the durable development of Pakistan, he added.
He said the Punjab government was establishing new special economic zones where Chinese
investors would be given incentives and facilities.
The chief minister said that durable development of social sector was a priority of the government
and Chinese cooperation in this regard would be welcomed.
He announced that people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and China would be further strengthened,
adding, "we will move forward by identifying the future strategy while considering the new dimensions
of CPEC project."
He appreciated Chinese cooperation in energy, infrastructural development and other sectors
and added that the government wanted to benefit from latest Chinese technology in agriculture and
farming sectors.
A conducive atmosphere was provided for investment in Punjab and Chinese investors should
take benefit of it, he added.
Chinese ambassador appreciated the establishment of special economic zones by the Punjab
government and hoped that Pakistan-China economic relations would be further strengthened and
both the countries would benefit from public-private partnership initiative.
"We want to further extend our cooperation with the Punjab government for the development of
social sector," he added.
He said that joint steps would be taken to boost public level contracts and China was
siding with Pakistan in its journey of development and prosperity.
Chinese Consul General Long Dingbin, MD Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Principal
Secretary to CM, Secretaries of Industry, P&D and Energy departments as well as high-level
Chinese official were present in the meeting.
