On Tuesday, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong met with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) President Nawaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation between China and Pakistan, particularly in technology, business, and investment.
During the meeting, Nawaz Sharif emphasized the deep bond between Pakistan and China, describing China as a trusted ally and expressing pride in the close relationship between the two nations. “We are proud of our relationship with this great nation,” he said, highlighting Punjab’s readiness to collaborate with China, especially in infrastructure and technological innovation.
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz shared her vision for economic cooperation with China, stating, “Together, we can achieve economic miracles.” She emphasized Punjab’s openness to Chinese investors and revealed plans to create special “Chinese Economic Zones,” offering exclusive facilities and incentives to Chinese businesses. Maryam Nawaz also praised China’s poverty reduction model, noting its potential benefits for Pakistan.
Ambassador Jiang Zedong lauded the welfare programs introduced by Maryam Nawaz in Punjab, such as the Nexan Card and Tractor Scheme, which aim to support the agricultural sector. He affirmed China’s commitment to investing in Punjab’s agriculture and announced plans for 1,000 Pakistani farmers to receive training from Chinese experts in modern farming techniques. Ambassador Zedong also underscored China’s strong friendship with Pakistan, noting the progress in bilateral relations during the PML-N government.
“China will warmly welcome Punjab’s involvement in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC),” said Jiang Zedong. He also extended an invitation to Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to visit China, which she graciously accepted, becoming the first woman Chief Minister of Pakistan to receive such an honor.
Both sides expressed optimism about the future of China-Pakistan relations. Nawaz Sharif reflected on the achievements of his previous government, with the Chinese ambassador acknowledging that bilateral ties reached new heights during that period.