Chinese CG meets Punjab Governor, CPEC, other matters discussed
Lahore: Chinese Consul General (CG) in Lahore Zhao Shiren called on Governor Punjab Muhammad Balighur Rehman and discussed bilateral relations, China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and matters of mutual interest at the Governor’s House here.
The Governor extended the best wishes to Zhao Shiren on assuming the office of consul general and expressed the hope that his stay in Pakistan would usher in a new era of Pakistan-China relations.
He mentioned that Pakistan-China friendship was unparalleled and time-tested, adding that China had always stood by Pakistan in every difficult time.
He maintained that bilateral relations between Pakistan and China were unparalleled in terms of mutual trust and unity. He expressed the resolve to further strengthen people-to-people contacts between Pakistan and China.
Balighur Rehman reiterated that Pakistan valued China’s cooperation in education, health, energy infrastructure and other areas.
About CPEC, the Governor contended that it was a game-changer initiative not only for Pakistan but also for the region and the whole world.
He underlined that the government was committed to expediting the ongoing CPEC development projects under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
He predicted that the CPEC would open new avenues for development in infrastructure, agriculture, energy sector and industry in Pakistan.
On the occasion, Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren said that Pakistan is his second home and hoped that the government would expedite and complete the projects under CPEC.
Earlier in the day, Consul General of China Zhao Shiren also held a meeting with Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President Mian Nauman Kabir. LCCI Senior Vice President Rehman Aziz Chan, Vice President Haris Ateeq and former senior vice president Ali Hussam Asghar were also present.
The Chinese diplomat mentioned that collaboration in various sectors of economy between the private sector of Pakistan and his country could take bilateral trade to new heights.
He promised that the Consulate will fully cooperate for exchange of trade delegations between the two countries.
The Consul General identified some issues regarding policy, taxation and duty tariff and said that the visa issues would be resolved soon. He said that Punjab had a lot of potential while Lahore is a hub of trade and economic activates. “I am very happy to visit Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” the Consul General stated.
He added that the CPEC, a crucial project under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), was not just a gift but a project of mutual interest for both the countries which would bring prosperity to the people of Pakistan.
During the meeting, LCCI President Nauman Kabir said: “We are very mindful of the deep and close ties between Pakistan and China and are fully determined to play our role in further strengthening these relations.”
He acknowledged that the CPEC had given new height to these ties and the project had the potential to change the fate of Pakistan.
He said that China was the best friend and most reliable neighbour of Pakistan. “We are really grateful to China for its full support and help whenever Pakistan faces any challenging situation,” he said.
Mian Nauman Kabir noted that Pakistan government and public, both are at the same page while welcoming Chinese investors to Pakistan.
He said that China has been the leading trading partner of Pakistan since long. It comes at 1st place and 2nd place respectively among the top importing and exporting countries for Pakistan across the globe.
The LCCI president informed that in year 2020-21, the volume of total trade was nearly US $15.34 billion. Pakistan’s imports from China accounted for US $13.3 billion and exports stood at US $2.04 billion.
