PM Shehbaz urges Chinese firms to invest in SEZs, launch joint projects

(Web Desk): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Chinese investors to invest in joint ventures in Pakistan, assuring them of full facilitation.

He stated that Special Economic Zones (SEZs) offer attractive opportunities for Chinese investors and that the relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan would benefit from low-cost labor and other facilities.

Speaking at the Second Pakistan-China Business-to-Business (B2B) Investment Conference in Beijing, the Prime Minister said that attending this conference is an honor, calling it the biggest conference of his life.

He emphasized that the Pakistan-China friendship is higher than the Himalayas, deeper than the oceans, stronger than steel, and sweeter than honey, describing it as a relationship based on mutual respect, trust, and the desire to cooperate with one another.

He noted that China has stood by Pakistan for the past 75 years, especially in difficult times, and that this B2B conference is a reflection of the strong and enduring Pakistan-China friendship.

Shehbaz Sharif recalled that the foundation of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) was laid during Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to Islamabad in 2015, which led to $33 billion in Chinese investment under CPEC.

The Prime Minister mentioned that at the time of CPEC’s launch, Pakistan was suffering from 20-hour daily power outages, but thanks to CPEC, the country overcame the energy crisis within three years, achieving energy self-sufficiency by 2018. He credited this transformation to President Xi’s vision.

He added that, with Chinese cooperation, several major projects were completed, including the Orange Line Train and multiple dams, significantly improving Pakistan’s economic situation.

Shehbaz Sharif noted that CPEC revitalized Pakistan’s agriculture and industry, emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.

He went on to say that after a period of interruption, his government is back, and the warmth in Pakistan-China relations has returned. He announced that Pakistan is now ready to launch the second phase of CPEC and seeks greater cooperation from China in this phase.

The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan’s interest in benefiting from China's experience and technology, particularly in the fields of IT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), mining, and other sectors.

He reiterated that Chinese investors are being offered great incentives through SEZs, and that relocation of Chinese industries to Pakistan would be supported by affordable labor and necessary facilities.

Shehbaz Sharif encouraged Chinese investors to form joint ventures with Pakistani businesses, noting that it would be mutually beneficial.

He also stressed that the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan is a top priority, assuring that there would be no compromise on their protection. He pledged that he would personally be available to resolve any issues faced by Chinese investors.

He further stated that Pakistan's doors are always open to Chinese investors, and that not even a second’s delay would be tolerated in facilitating their investment.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister said: “China’s development is a role model for us. With Chinese cooperation, we are ready to compete with other nations in the race for economic progress.”

Addressing the Chinese investors directly, he said: “Pakistan is your second home, just as China is ours. Come to Pakistan and launch joint ventures.”