CM Maryam Nawaz meets Liu Jianchao to strengthen Pak-China relations

BEIJING: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz continued her official visit to China on the second day with a key meeting with Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The meeting was aimed at further strengthening the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and China, with discussions focused on expanding cooperation across multiple sectors.

The high-level meeting, which took place in Beijing, was attended by several senior officials from both sides, including Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, Provincial Minister for Information Azma Bokhari, Provincial Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar Khan, Provincial Minister for Agriculture Ashiq Hussain Kirmani, and Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman. The gathering marked a significant step towards deepening ties between the two nations.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome extended by Minister Liu and commended the visionary leadership of the Communist Party of China, which she said has been instrumental in transforming China into a global economic powerhouse. She stressed the pivotal role of the Communist Party in fostering closer ties between Pakistan and China, emphasizing that the enduring partnership between the two countries is not only strategic but also has a solid foundation in shared values and mutual respect.

In her address, Nawaz highlighted the importance of the growing people-to-people connections between Pakistan and China, noting that such ties are essential for building stronger bonds and promoting long-term collaboration between the two nations.

She reaffirmed that the friendship between Pakistan and China remains steadfast and is unaffected by any regional or global political shifts. Nawaz’s remarks underscored the importance of Pakistan-China relations, which have historically remained strong and continue to be a source of mutual benefit.

One of the key topics discussed during the meeting was the need for both nations to enhance their cooperation in local governance and rural development. Chief Minister Nawaz expressed interest in learning from China’s experiences in these areas, particularly with regard to enhancing youth empowerment and skills development programs.

She emphasized that vocational training is critical to ensuring that the younger generation in both countries is equipped with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to their respective economies.

During the meeting, Nawaz also proposed the establishment of twin provinces and cities between Pakistan and China, a move that could further promote closer regional cooperation and economic collaboration. This initiative is seen as a practical way to create synergies between local governments and build sustainable development projects that benefit both nations.

In addition to strengthening governance ties, Nawaz discussed several areas of economic cooperation with the Chinese leadership. She emphasized the importance of increasing Chinese investment in Punjab, particularly in key sectors such as agriculture, climate change mitigation, waste management, and youth development. She noted that these sectors are vital for the progress of Punjab and could greatly benefit from the expertise and resources that China has to offer.

On the first day of her visit, Chief Minister Nawaz signed multiple significant Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), which are expected to have a lasting impact on the development of Punjab. One of the most notable agreements was with AI Force Tech, a Chinese company, to establish a robotic agricultural equipment manufacturing plant in Punjab.

This collaboration aims to modernize the agriculture sector in the province, enhancing productivity and helping farmers overcome challenges through advanced technological solutions. Nawaz reiterated her commitment to modernizing agriculture in Punjab, stressing that technology-driven solutions would play a critical role in boosting the productivity of farmers and ensuring food security.

Another major highlight of the first day was the signing of an MOU with the Punjab Environment Department and Blue Tech Clean Air Alliance, a Chinese environmental technology firm. The agreement is aimed at tackling the growing issue of air pollution in Punjab, with a focus on implementing clean air technologies and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

On the second day, Nawaz attended a special luncheon hosted by the International Department of the Communist Party of China. During the event, she met with senior officials, including Vice Minister Sun Haiyan.

The discussions focused on the mutual desire to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance cooperation in areas such as education, culture, and infrastructure development. Both sides emphasized the importance of working together to address global challenges, such as climate change and economic inequality, through joint initiatives and collaboration.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz concluded her day by emphasizing the importance of long-term investments in cultural, educational, and vocational programs. She expressed her hope that the partnership between Pakistan and China would continue to evolve, creating new opportunities for both countries and paving the way for a brighter future for their citizens.

In addition to the key diplomatic discussions, Nawaz’s visit to China highlights her commitment to driving economic growth in Punjab through collaboration with Chinese institutions. By focusing on key sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sustainability, Nawaz aims to leverage China’s technological expertise to address Punjab’s pressing challenges and create a sustainable future for the province.

Chief Minister Nawaz’s visit to Beijing has proven to be a productive step towards enhancing Pakistan-China relations, and her efforts to foster cooperation in areas such as governance, agriculture, and environmental sustainability will likely have a significant impact on Punjab’s future development.