CM Maryam meets Chinese Consul General, discusses trade, technology, infrastructure cooperation

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Mar, 2026) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif met the newly appointed Consul General of China Sun Yan, here on Wednesday.

The CM congratulated Sun Yan on assuming his diplomatic responsibilities in Lahore. During the meeting, the Chinese Consul General invited the Chief Minister to visit China, an invitation that she accepted with thanks.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen strategic cooperation and promote the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor.

The CM appreciated China’s continued defence cooperation with Pakistan and its role in helping ease tensions with other countries, describing the friendship between Pakistan and China as exemplary.

The meeting also reaffirmed the commitment to further strengthen Pakistan–China friendship and work together for shared prosperity. Both sides emphasised enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, infrastructure, energy and information technology while expanding economic and cultural exchanges between the Government of Punjab and the Chinese Consulate.

CM Maryam Nawaz said that China has played an important role in Pakistan’s regional security, sovereignty and development. She noted that Punjab is keen to strengthen cooperation with Chinese partners in industrial development, technological collaboration and urban management. She said that Punjab aims to accelerate economic growth through industrialisation, logistics corridors and technology partnerships under CPEC. The province is developing Special Economic Zones for Chinese investors, including opportunities at the Allama Iqbal Industrial City and the Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, where a Garments City is being prepared for Chinese investors.

The CM said Punjab is offering investment opportunities for foreign investors in textiles, agriculture, renewable energy, electric mobility, waste management and information technology. She added that dedicated China desks and business facilitation centres have been established to support Chinese companies.

She added that economic zones in Punjab have been designed as industrial gateways for Chinese investment, focusing on export-oriented manufacturing, supply chain integration and long-term industrial partnerships. The plug-and-play Garments City at Quaid-e-Azam Business Park is being developed with ready infrastructure and utilities to attract foreign investors. She emphasised that Chinese companies are contributing significantly to technology transfer, industrial diversification and employment generation in the province. Ensuring the security of Chinese citizens and projects remains a priority for the Government of Punjab, which is committed to providing a safe and business-friendly environment for Chinese investors.

CM Maryam Nawaz reiterated Punjab’s interest in expanding cooperation with China in innovation, green development and advanced manufacturing.

Speaking on the occasion, Consul General Sun Yan said China deeply values its longstanding friendship with Pakistan. He described Sino-Pakistan relations as a shining example of strategic trust, mutual respect and unwavering solidarity. He also appreciated Pakistan’s firm commitment to regional peace, stability and development and expressed interest in further strengthening economic cooperation with businesses and development partners in Punjab.