LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz left for Pakistan after completing her hectic China visit here on Sunday.
She was seen off at the airport by Director Foreign Affairs Miss Helen and other senior officials. The chief minister had paid an eight-day visit to China at the invitation of Communist Party of China.
Senator Pervaiz Rashid, Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Information & Culture Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari, Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan and Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Kirmani accompanied her on the visit.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz visited AI Force Tech, a robotic agricultural equipment manufacturer in Beijing. She also visited Blue Tech Air Alliance, Hygea Medical, Shijitan Hospital and Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport.
The chief minister called on the Minister of Communist Party of China and attended a luncheon hosted in her honour. She also called on the Minister of Environment and visited the Museum of Communist Party of China, Jinko Solar Company and Xinzhuang District Industrial Zone in Shanghai.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz delivered a keynote speech at a conference on environmental pollution. She visited Shanghai Experimental School, Huawei Technologies and BGI Genomeics. She also addressed the Punjab-China Investment Conference and met with a high-level delegation of the ruling party of China.
The chief minister witnessed signing of MoUs with Chinese companies in sectors including eco-friendly transport, agriculture and healthcare.
Maryam Nawaz’s hectic efforts bore fruit as important agreements were signed, at Punjab Investment Conference, with Chinese companies working in the fields of IT, environment and green energy. She said, “It is an important step towards global partnership for economic development in Punjab.”
The chief minister noted, “Under an agreement with the Bank of Punjab, Gobi Partners has announced to establish a $50 million investment fund to support technology startups in Punjab.” She said, “The aim of the agreement is to promote financial system for startups and SMEs in Punjab.” She added, “Gobi Fund will support businesses through loan provision, equity investment, financial solutions, and mentorship programs. The Gobi Fund will strengthen businesses in Punjab and will ensure sustainable development in the region through digital economy. The Fund will help Punjab develop technology and create regional leaders in entrepreneurship.”
She said, “Chinese company Solar N Plus and the Punjab government have signed an MoU for the promotion of solar technology in the province. The Chinese company will work to establish a center in Punjab and will introduce innovative solar technology projects to promote green energy in Punjab.”
The chief minister said, “The conference has provided prospective investors with all the needed information on Punjab’s unique economic incentives.” Participants of the Punjab investment conference acknowledged that Punjab has surpassed regional and global standards in promoting investment.
They added, “Punjab is ideal for investment due to tax exemptions, special industrial zones, and other facilities.” The conference discussed promoting sustainable and long-term partnership between the government of Punjab and Chinese businesses.
Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz expressed her deep sense of grief over the sad demise of PMLN leader Siddiqul Farooq, and paid rich tribute to his valuable political services for the party. The chief minister offered sincere condolences and expressed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the Punjab investment conference was held in Shanghai in which significant milestones were achieved to propel Punjab towards greater economic prosperity.
This landmark event was hosted by Gobi Partners, a leading venture capital firm. The conference showcased Punjab’s commitment to fostering innovation, sustainable development, and global collaboration.
A major announcement was made with the unveiling of a dedicated $50 million investment fund by Gobi Partners. This fund, the first of its kind for Punjab, is aimed at supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a particular focus on tech-enabled startups in Punjab.
By driving a transition towards a sustainable and digital economy, this initiative sets the stage for innovation-led growth and positions Punjab as a regional leader in technology and entrepreneurship.
Punjab’s competitive edge was also prominently highlighted during the conference, with a focus on its tailored incentives that surpass regional and global benchmarks. Strategic advantages such as tax benefits, dedicated industrial zones, and seamless government facilitation were emphasized as key factors making Punjab a premier investment destination.
MOU signing between Gobi Partners and The Bank of Punjab: Further emphasizing their commitment to innovation and economic growth, Gobi Partners and The Bank of Punjab signed an agreement aimed at fostering a vibrant ecosystem for startups and SMEs.
The MoU establishes a strategic collaboration to support startups and SMEs through debt financing, equity investments, tailored financial solutions, and mentorship programs. This collaboration underscores the shared vision of empowering emerging businesses and driving sustainable development in the region.
The conference further facilitated discussions aimed at fostering sustainable, long-term partnerships between Chinese enterprises and the Punjab government. Key collaborations formalized during the event included: MOU signing between the Chinese Solar N Plus and the Government of Punjab: A pivotal partnership to advance Punjab’s green energy transition through innovative solar energy projects. Where Solar N Plus will explore setting up a facility in Punjab, conduct feasibility studies, support local capacity-building, and introduce advanced solar technologies for sustainability and modernisation.
MOU signing between Tianjin Capital Environmental Protection Group (TJCEP) and the Government of Punjab: A transformative collaboration focusing on urban development and environmental management projects, reflecting Punjab’s dedication to sustainable growth and infrastructure.
The MOU outlines collaboration on waste management, water treatment, localization of environmental machinery, and pollution reduction in urban areas like Lahore.
The conference set the stage for a new era of global economic collaboration, reaffirming Punjab’s role as a key international investment hub. Leadership invited global enterprises to explore the province’s opportunities and pledged to strengthen partnerships and foster future growth.
