Minister seeks Chinese investment in solar energy sector

LAHORE: Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain has said a garment city is being set up near Lahore.

The minister said this while having a meeting with Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren at the Chinese Consulate. Investment of Chinese companies in Punjab, security of Chinese and increasing economic cooperation were discussed. During the meeting, it was agreed to increase cooperation in textile industry, information technology and other sectors.

The minister said a garment city is being built on an area of 2,000 acres of land near Lahore. Work has also started on the project of Nawaz Sharif IT City and a labour colony will also be built in garment city.

He said labour is cheap in Punjab and Chinese companies can increase their investment. He said best security is being provided to the Chinese working on development projects. He said that the promotion of solar technology is the priority of the government. The government will welcome the investment of Chinese companies in solar energy. Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren said that increasing economic cooperation between China and Pakistan is the need of the hour. Punjab government is ready for all possible cooperation with Punjab in garment city and IT City projects.

He informed about the upcoming Digital Economic Conference in Beijing. Meanwhile, Zhao has announced a scholarship from the Chinese Consulate for the students of the International Relations (IR) Department of GCU Lahore.

According to a press release, speaking at the department's annual dinner as the chief guest, he emphasised the esteemed status of this historic university, noting that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is an alumnus. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shazia Bashir was also present at the dinner.

Zhao hoped for Pakistan's political stability, economic growth, and social development under the PM’s leadership. Zhao pointed to the upcoming visit of Pakistan's Prime Minister to China as a pivotal moment for enhancing practical collaboration and upgrading CPEC projects.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Shazia Bashir encouraged students not only to earn their degrees but also to groom themselves, highlighting that degrees should not just be credentials but a means to self-improvement.