Yang Xingping says every possible step will be taken for increasing cooperation with Punjab in different sectors
A Chinese delegation led by Sichuan province Vice Governor Yang Xingping met Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif here today.
Matters for enhancing cooperation between Punjab government and Sichuan in education, health, culture, information technology, infrastructure, agriculture and other sectors were discussed during the meeting. Both the leaders agreed upon taking speedy measures for promoting cooperation between Punjab government and Sichuan province in different sectors, while the vice governor expressed interest in opening an institute after great Chinese philosopher Confucius in Lahore.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief minister said that friendship of Pakistan and China is priceless in the world, and Chinese President Xi Jinping has given a historic investment package for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan. A new history of progress and prosperity in the region, including Pakistan, will be written due to CPEC vision of Chinese president, he added.
He said Chinese president has told the world nations that the solution to problems lies in dialogue and trade and economic relations. He said that the great vision of One Belt One Road (OBOR) will prove useful in linking countries of the region with one another. He said that people of Pakistan have started benefiting from the fruits of CPEC. He said that the entire nation has become aware of the importance of CPEC project.
Shehbaz Sharif said that work is being carried out speedily on energy, infrastructure and other projects under CPEC in Pakistan. He said, “Our friends are happy over CPEC. Thousands of megawatt electricity will be generated with the completion of energy projects under CPEC and world will benefit when Gwadar Port will become fully operational.”
He added that Punjab government has sent male and female students to China on its own expenses for learning Chinese language. He expressed the hope that more students will soon visit China in this regard. The chief minister stressed upon the need of taking immediate steps for increasing cooperation between Sichuan province and Punjab government in trade, economy and other sectors. He said that soon a delegation of Punjab government will visit Sichuan for increasing cooperation in education and other sectors.
Sichuan vice governor said that Punjab has a sincere, true and hardworking leader under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif, due to which Punjab has made unprecedented progress. He said that all out steps will be taken for increasing cooperation with Punjab government in different sectors and will welcome the students of Punjab in universities of Sichuan. He said that his government wants to start air service between Chengdu, an important city of Sichuan, and Lahore. He said that there is a great potential in agriculture of Punjab and cooperation can also be enhanced in this sector. He expressed resolve to make Confucius Institute in Lahore. Maximum exchange of visits by trade and business delegations will result in enhancing relations between Punjab and Sichuan, he added. He said that a close cooperation will be extended to Punjab government for enhancing cooperation in different sectors.
The Chinese delegation included Sichuan Province Vice Secretary-General and other senior officials. Chinese Consul General in Lahore, Yu Boren, was also present on the occasion. Provincial ministers Rana Mashhood Ahmed, Ch Sher Ali Khan, Jehangir Khanzada, Manshaullah Butt, Sheikh Allauddin, MPA Majid Zahoor, Kh Ahmed Hasaan, Planning and Development chairman, additional chief secretary and concerned officials were present on the occasion.
