Friendly relations between Pakistan and China are further strengthening and China has always supported Pakistan in every hour of trial, said Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Shahbaz Sharif while talking to a delegation of Shandong Ruyi Group of China who called on him on Wednesday. The delegation included Chairman of Group Yafu Qiu, Vice Chairman Weiying Sun, Vice President Jerry Liu and other office-bearers. National Assembly Member Asim Nazir, Punjab Minister for Industries Muhammad Shafiq, Planning and Development chairman, secretary industry, Punjab Investment Board vice chairman and officers concerned were also present on the occasion. It was agreed in the meeting to promote cooperation in textile and garments sectors.
Shahbaz said that cooperation for investment by Chinese companies in energy and textile sectors in Pakistan is a welcome step. The CM said that Punjab government has planned to set up special garments zone at 1500 acres land near motorway for which site has been identified. He said that all necessary facilities including vocational centre would be provided in garments zone. Shahbaz Sharif said that after getting the status of GSP Plus, exports of textile and garments of the country will increase and new job opportunities would be created. He said that in view of the GSP Plus status, the project of special garments is of great importance. He asked Shandong Ruyi Group to invest in special garments zone and Punjab government will provide all possible facilities. The CM told that industrial zone has also been set up in Faisalabad where process of industrialisation is continuing. He said that facilities are being provided to the industrialists in Faisalabad industrial zone on priority basis. Shahbaz Sharif told that implementation on the agreements with Chinese companies for cooperation in energy sector is continuing and two coal based power plants are being installed in Punjab with the cooperation of Power China through which a total of 1300 megawatt electricity will be generated.
Talking on the occasion, Shandong Ruyi Group Chairman China Yafu Qiu expressed willingness to invest in textile and garments sectors in Punjab. He said that his group has planned to make investment of $ 2 billion in this regard. He disclosed that three committees have been constituted for considering investment in Punjab so that these projects should be implemented speedily. He said that the encouragement by Shahbaz Sharif regarding cooperation in investment in Punjab has increased their confidence. He thanked the CM on behalf of his group for this cooperation. Shandong Ruyi Group Chairman also extended invitation to the CM to visit China.