Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb meets Chinese delegation
Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, accompanied by provincial ministers, held an important meeting with a Chinese delegation to discuss expanding cooperation between Punjab and China in agriculture, agro-processing, livestock, tourism, skills development, environmental protection and trade. The Chinese delegation appreciated Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s PIVOT Programme and expressed keen interest in investment and partnerships in agro-processing parks and livestock projects in Punjab.
The meeting discussed ongoing initiatives under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to translate Pakistan-China economic cooperation into tangible investments and concrete development projects. Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Punjab government was committed to transforming the longstanding Pakistan-China friendship into new opportunities for economic growth, technology transfer and joint investment.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said that, in line with the vision of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a proposal was under consideration to establish a dedicated Agro-Processing Zone in Punjab through Pakistan-China collaboration. The proposed zone would offer dedicated facilities for Chinese companies and Pakistani businesses to undertake joint ventures and direct investment. Chinese companies would be invited to invest and establish partnerships in Punjab.
The Senior Provincial Minister said that China’s advanced technology, industrial expertise and investment could create new value chains, enhance productivity and generate economic opportunities in Punjab’s agricultural sector. Special focus was being placed on establishing four modern agro-processing units for value addition and processing of key agricultural commodities, including rice, wheat, maize and oilseeds.
Marriyum Aurangzeb said Pakistan-China cooperation in agriculture, livestock and agro-processing would promote joint investment, facilitate technology transfer, increase agricultural productivity and generate new employment opportunities. A proposal was also discussed to provide dedicated facilities for joint ventures between Chinese companies and Pakistani businesses within the proposed special Agro-Processing Zone.
The meeting agreed to establish a working group under the chairmanship of the Provincial Minister for Agriculture to translate proposed joint ventures into practical projects. It was also agreed to establish clear timelines and measurable targets to ensure effective implementation. The nomination of a Chinese focal person to coordinate with the relevant PIVOT Secretariat on various Pakistan-China cooperation projects was also discussed. Opportunities to benefit from Chinese investment, technical expertise and experience in skills development, tourism, shrimp farming and livestock were also discussed.
The Chinese delegation appreciated Punjab’s business-friendly environment, infrastructure and investment opportunities, stating that it would be an honour to contribute to the province’s economic development. The delegation also invited Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb to visit China along with a Punjab business delegation and emphasised the need to finalise joint investment projects.
