New era of Pak-China relations starts during current tenure: CM

12 Aug, 2015

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that a new era of economic relations between Pakistan and China had started during the current tenure of Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif.

Talking to a delegation from Ji Ning City China led by Secretary Ji Ning Municipal Party Committee Ma Ping Chang, he said Pak-China friendship had been stood strong every hour of trial.

Promotion of cooperation in energy particularly mining sector was discussed during the meeting.

The chief minister said bilateral relations were touching new heights of friendship and cooperation.

Mentioning the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the chief minister said the historic economic package besides investment given by China was a great gift for Pakistan.

He said the historic economic package of 46 billion dollars during the visit of Chinese President to Pakistan was a glorious example of everlasting friendship between both the countries and Pakistani people could never forget this favour.

The CM said the CPEC would not only bring prosperity in Pakistan but the in the whole region.

Shehbaz Sharif said a huge amount of 33 billion dollars had been allocated for energy projects under CPEC.

He said the work on the project under CPEC in Punjab had been started briskly, adding the construction of 1320 megawatt coal power project plant had been started in Sahiwal and this project would start producing electricity in 2017.

Similarly, he said, a 900 megawatt solar project was being set up in Bahawalpur which would be completed in 2016.

He said that Chinese companies were making investment in all these projects, adding the CPEC projects would be completed through round-the-clock work and no hindrance in this regard would be tolerated.

He said that there should be maximum exchange of delegations for the promotion of bilateral relations and the both nations should benefit from the experiences of each other.

Head of Chinese delegation Ma Ping Chang speaking on the occasion expressed his willingness to extend cooperation with the Punjab government.

He said that Chinese consider Lahore as their second home. Acknowledging untiring efforts of Shehbaz Sharif, he appreciated development in Punjab province.

Chairman Shandong RuYi Group Qiu Yafu, Executive President Shandong Group Zhai Meng Giang and senior officials of various companies were included in the delegation while Provincial Minister for Minerals Ch Sher Ali, Secretaries Minerals, Energy and concerned officials were also present.

Copyright APP (Associated Press of Pakistan), 2015

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