From Abid Usman
LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s recent visit to China has been hailed as a major success, with Chinese companies pledging over 13 billion rupees (around $50 million) in investments for the province, media reported.
The visit marked a significant milestone in Punjab’s economic development and international partnerships. During an investment conference in China, several agreements were made between Chinese companies and the Punjab government in key sectors such as IT, environment, and green energy.
One of the major highlights of the visit was the announcement by Gobi Partners, a Chinese investment firm, which revealed plans to establish a $50 million investment fund in Punjab. The fund, valued at approximately 13.88 billion rupees, aims to promote startups and SMEs in the region.
An important memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also signed between Solar N Plus and the Punjab government to advance solar technology. Meanwhile, Gobi Partners and the Bank of Punjab agreed to a partnership focused on boosting financial systems for startups and small businesses.
The agreements are intended to provide financial assistance to businesses through loans, equity investments, financial solutions, and mentoring programmes.
According to the announcement, Gobi Fund will play a pivotal role in strengthening businesses in Punjab, ensuring sustainable development, and positioning the province as a regional leader in technology and entrepreneurship.
The conference also shed light on Punjab’s competitive economic incentives, such as tax exemptions and special industrial zones, making the province an attractive investment destination.
Additionally, the Punjab government engaged in discussions with Chinese companies to foster long-term, sustainable partnerships. As part of these talks, Chinese companies agreed to collaborate on the development of advanced solar energy projects in Punjab, contributing to the province’s green energy goals.
Solar N Plus will focus on establishing a centre in Punjab to introduce cutting-edge solar technology and enhance local capacity in renewable energy sectors.
Earlier, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on the sixth day of her official visit to China chaired an investment conference in Guangzhou, emphasizing Punjab’s economic potential and opportunities for foreign investors.
Representatives from over 60 prominent Chinese and Hong Kong companies participated in the roundtable discussions, representing diverse sectors such as health, artificial intelligence, agriculture, information technology, waste management, and renewable energy.
The meeting participants reviewed proposals and recommendations for Pak-China free trade.
Maryam Nawaz unveiled several initiatives to enhance economic collaboration with China, including the establishment of a working group, the appointment of a focal person, and a dedicated help desk to assist Chinese investors. She also announced a one-window operation to simplify procedures for Chinese companies interested in doing business in Punjab.
She also invited Chinese technology companies to start operations in Punjab. Addressing the participants, Maryam highlighted Punjab’s strategic importance as a gateway to Central Asia and the Middle East, positioning Pakistan as a valuable part of the global trade route. She referred to Punjab as a “land of opportunity” and invited Chinese companies to invest in technology, agriculture, and energy projects in the province.
