Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong Tuesday met with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation between China and Pakistan, particularly in the areas of technology, business, and investment.
During the meeting, Nawaz Sharif emphasized the strong bond between Pakistan and China, referring to China as a reliable friend and expressing pride in the deep relationship between the two nations.
"We are proud of our relationship with this great nation," said Nawaz Sharif, adding that Punjab is ready to embrace Chinese collaboration, particularly in infrastructure and technological advancements.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her vision of economic cooperation with China, stating, "We can create economic miracles together." She highlighted Punjab’s eagerness to welcome Chinese investors and announced plans to establish special "Chinese Economic Zones" to provide exclusive facilities and privileges to Chinese businesses. Maryam Nawaz also praised China's model for poverty reduction, noting that Pakistan could greatly benefit from it.
The Chinese Ambassador, Jiang Zedong, expressed appreciation for the welfare initiatives led by Maryam Nawaz in Punjab, such as the Nexan Card and Tractor Scheme, which aim to support the agricultural sector. He confirmed China's willingness to invest in Punjab’s agriculture sector and announced that 1,000 Pakistani farmers will receive training from Chinese experts in modern farming techniques. Ambassador Zedong further stressed that China highly values its friendship with Pakistan and highlighted the progress in bilateral ties during PML-N’s tenure.
"China will warmly welcome Punjab's inclusion in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)," said Jiang Zedong.
He also invited Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to visit China, which she graciously accepted, making her first woman Chief Minister of Pakistan to receive such an honor.
Both sides expressed optimism about the future of China-Pakistan relations, with Nawaz Sharif reflecting on the achievements of his previous government, during which, according to the Chinese ambassador, ties between the two countries reached new heights.
