Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has said it is a great opportunity to build economic ties with Turkey and China which will lead to a tremendous economic cooperation between Pakistan, China and Turkey.
He said this while addressing the last day of “International Seminar on Business Opportunities in Punjab” at a local hotel on Saturday.
He said 150 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) and agreements were signed, adding that in few years Turkey has made an impressive progress in Pakistan’s business houses. Turkey had already worked with us in Metro Bus project and solid waste management and the work was expanding as well, he said.
The chief minister said such opportunities came rarely which should be utilized in a way to have maximum benefits.
Sharif said Turkey and China had shown great trust in the leadership of the PML-N government, people of Pakistan and a transparent mechanism of the government. He said 250 delegates from China, Turkey and other countries visited Pakistan and it was a great proof of their trust in Pakistan for doing business.
The chief minister said Pakistan, under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, is working day and night to overcome energy crisis and to ensure elimination of terrorism in the country. He said days are not far when our sincere efforts would prove to be highly fruitful. Sharif said that he pays sincere and dedicated tributes to the efforts of ambassadors of China and Turkey and Punjab government authorities for ensuring huge success of the Seminar. He said that, as a result of participation by over 250 international investors, it has been proved beyond any doubt that Pakistan has a conducive atmosphere for investment, while Punjab has also become a hub of investment destination.
Addressing the event, Provincial Finance Minister Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha said the objective of the seminar was to showcase the tremendous potential for business in Punjab.
She said during the international seminar serious business interactions were held.
Pakistan offered business friendly policies, she said, adding that MoUs and investment agreements were signed in various sectors which include mine and minerals, manufacturing etc
China Ambassador to Pakistan Sun Weidong said they saw a bright future of development in Pakistan especially in Punjab. He said a large number of Chinese participants present in the seminar showed their interest to invest in Pakistan.
He hoped that all projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would be completed in a transparent manner.
Pak-China Friendship Pavilion inaugurated
Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif inaugurated the Pakistan-China Friendship Pavilion on Saturday.
Sharif along with Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong inaugurated the pavilion located on Mall Road.
Talking to media on the occasion, he said Pak-China Friendship Pavilion is an example of excellent ties between the two countries. He said work on various projects under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is under way. Shehbaz Sharif said 45 billion dollar investment is being done under CPEC.
Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said Pak-China Friendship Pavilion is a gift from the people of Pakistan to China. Pakistan and China enjoy historic and excellent relations, he added.
Talking to media on the occasion, the chief minister said that Pakistan and China are tied with everlasting relations. He said that Pak-China friendship is sweeter than honey, higher than Himalayas and deeper than the ocean. He said that historic investment package of Chinese President is a great gift for Pakistani people. He said that 180 million people of Pakistan can never forget this great gift of China.
Shehbaz Sharif said that China is investing 46 billion dollars in Pakistan and 36 billion dollars have been allocated only for energy projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He said that infrastructure, energy, improvement of transmission lines and other development projects are included in the CPEC. He said that work has been started speedily on the projects under the CPEC and this historic investment package of China will result in further promotion of economic cooperation.
Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Sun Weidong said that Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif has personally made untiring efforts for the CPEC projects. He thanked Mr Sharif and people of Punjab on construction of Pak-China friendship pavilion. He said that participation in inaugural ceremony of Pak-China friendship pavilion is an honour and historic moment for him. Sun Weidong said that people of Pakistan particularly Punjab are loving and great. He said that Pak-China friendship will live forever and further strengthen. He said that the CPEC would further strengthen Pak-China friendship relations. Chinese Consul General Yu Born, Chinese investors, Khawaja Ahmed Hassan and other officials concerned were also present on the occasion.
