Punjab: A New Frontier for Chinese Investors, Says CM Maryam Nawaz
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif recently announced a range of initiatives to encourage Chinese investment, declaring Punjab as a “land of opportunities” for foreign companies. During her visit to Guangzhou, she chaired a major investment conference and outlined plans to streamline investments through a one-window operation. The establishment of a help desk and a working group, with a focal person appointed to facilitate investors, is central to this strategy.
The conference saw participation from over 60 prominent companies from China and Hong Kong across various sectors such as health, artificial intelligence, agriculture, IT, and renewable energy. Maryam Nawaz welcomed Chinese technology firms to set up operations in Punjab, with many companies showing interest in the investment opportunities.
A strong focus was placed on renewable energy, with Maryam Nawaz emphasizing the province's growing demand for solar energy and inviting partnerships for large-scale solar projects. The Chief Minister also highlighted Punjab’s efforts to modernize agriculture through mechanization and collaborative projects in food processing and seed development. She reinforced the government's commitment to environmental protection through initiatives like the “No to Plastic” campaign and the “Clean Punjab” program.
In addition to these efforts, Maryam Nawaz stressed the importance of the IT sector, welcoming Chinese investments in e-commerce and digital infrastructure. She also invited companies to contribute to the development of Nawaz Sharif IT City, envisioning it as a state-of-the-art hub for innovation.
Punjab's strategic location as a gateway to Central Asia and the Middle East further strengthens its appeal to international investors. CM Maryam Nawaz’s call for increased Chinese involvement was met with enthusiasm, marking a significant step toward bolstering Pak-China trade relations.