Beijing (Web Desk/Agencies): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday said that Pakistan desires Chinese investment in ML-1 upgradation project.
He was talking to Chairman of China International Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Ambassador Luo Zhaohui who called on him in Beijing today.
The prime minister emphasized the need for cooperation between Pakistan and China in the fields of agriculture, information technology, blue economy, communication, minerals and mining.
He said that security of Chinese nationals in Pakistan is priority of the government.
PM Shehbaz underlined that the governments and the peoples of both countries have always stood in solidarity with each other during times of natural disasters and calamities.
He commended CIDCA’s pivotal role in supporting developing countries and particularly Pakistan during the Covid-19 pandemic, the post-2022 flood reconstruction and grant of polio vaccines.
PM Shehbaz appreciated the robust support of CIDCA for CPEC projects and for Pakistan’s socioeconomic development, particularly the Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital, the Desalination Plant in Gwadar, and the New Gwadar International Airport.
Ambassador Luo Zhaohui offered CIDCA's support to Pakistan in Special Economic Zones and Health Sector.
Terming China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the hallmark of ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China, they noted that the Joint Working Group on Socioeconomic Development under the CPEC had yielded positive results.
They also expressed the confidence that the momentum would continue in the CPEC phase II to improve lives and livelihoods of the people.
Meanwhile, Chairman of China Northern Industry Corporation (NORINCO) called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing today.
The prime minister invited NORINCO to invest in communication projects in Pakistan especially Karachi Circular Railway.
“The government is facilitating foreign investment. In this regard, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) is an important initiative of the government,” he said.
The premier said Pakistan and China have long-standing brotherly ties which are getting stronger with time.
The NORINCO chairman particularly mentioned Punjab and Pakistan Speed, referring to the swift completion of development projects during Shehbaz Sharif’s stint as Punjab chief minister, and also appreciated him for ensuring projects’ quality under his supervision.
The company head recalled that under Shehbaz Sharif’s supervision, the Lahore Orange Line project was completed timely.
Later, a representative of NORINCO, in a statement said that in the meeting with the prime minister, they discussed the Lahore Orange Train project which was an important component of the CPEC and a symbol of Pak-China friendship.
He said both countries worked jointly on the said project and reiterated that NORINCO would come up with new projects to continue contributing to Pakistan’s development.
