Chinese investors fully protected in Punjab: Shafay

LAHORE:Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain met a delegation representing 20 Chinese investor companies. The meeting held at the Punjab Investment Board focused on investment opportunities in various sectors in Punjab.

Chinese investment companies expressed interest in investing in electric vehicles, pharmaceuticals, electrical appliances, artificial intelligence and other sectors. They also demanded 500 acres of land in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park (Sheikhupura) and Faisalabad Industrial Estate for setting up various industrial units. Speaking to the delegation, Chaudhry Shafay Hussain stated that the improvement of industrial infrastructure in Punjab has made the province a priority for foreign investors. He highlighted that several Chinese companies have already invested billions of dollars in Punjab and the government welcomes further investments from China. He assured the delegation that Chinese investors and their investments in Punjab are fully protected. He also revealed that a new industrial estate and an international-standard furniture college are being established in Gujrat, along with a college dedicated to artificial intelligence. The minister guaranteed that land would be provided to Chinese companies as per their requirements for setting up industrial units in Punjab's industrial estates. He urged Chinese investors to invest in Punjab with full confidence, assuring that the government would provide all necessary support.

Chaudhry Shafay Hussain highlighted the vast scope for joint ventures between Chinese investor companies and local investors. He also mentioned that an expo centre is being developed in Faisalabad and emphasised the government's aim to manufacture electric vehicles and solar panels in Punjab, with discussions already underway with several companies. The meeting was attended by DG Investment Board Dr Sohail Ahmed and other directors. The Chinese investors' delegation included Gian Zeng Hao, Li Jian, and others. Co-chairman of the Pakistan-China Business Forum, Ijaz Sheikh, and other representatives from the business community were present.