Chinese Business Council Delegation Meets with Punjab Minister

LAHORE: A delegation representing the Chinese Business Council engaged in discussions with Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, the Punjab Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Auqaf. Chen Qiang Jiang, the Executive Chairman of the Chinese Business Council, headed the delegation.

Discussions on China Business Park

The meeting focused on examining the potential allocation of waqf land, which is under the Auqaf Department, for the development of a China Business Park.

Minister’s Assurance and Directives

Provincial Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain affirmed that authorization to lease the Auqaf Department’s waqf land for the envisioned China Business Park will be sought from the provincial cabinet. The minister gave instructions for the formulation of a proposal regarding the leasing of the Auqaf Department’s land and also mandated a survey of the land near Hazrat Noor Shah Attari’s shrine on Ferozepur Road concerning industrial infrastructure.

Chaudhry Shafay Hussain urged the Chinese Business Council to provide a comprehensive strategy pertaining to the business park’s establishment and investment. He suggested that the Council explore establishing the business park within Punjab’s special economic zones. The minister noted that numerous foreign investment firms, notably those from China, have already invested in Punjab, with more expressing readiness to invest.

“Attracting fresh investment to Punjab is my primary goal, and all achievable actions are being implemented to accomplish this,” he emphasized.

Council’s Intentions

Chen Qiang Jiang, the Executive Chairman of the Chinese Business Council, conveyed the Council’s intention to create a China Business Park in Punjab and to encourage Chinese enterprises to invest in it. He stated that Chinese firms involved in shoe manufacturing, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, technology, and other sectors are prepared to invest in the region.

Secretary Auqaf Dr Tahir Raza Bukhari, Additional Secretary Auqaf, Director General Auqaf, and other pertinent officials were also present during the meeting.