Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz secures ‘game-changing economic deals’ in Shanghai visit
Punjab’s Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif led a high-profile Pakistani delegation on a week-long visit to Shanghai, aimed at fostering economic partnerships and learning from China’s development model. The visit, spanning December 8 to 15, focused on strengthening ties in information technology, e-commerce, environmental management, and renewable energy.
Major projects discussed during Maryam’s visit
Here’s a two-column table for the major deals and initiatives:
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| Smart City Initiative for Lahore | Partnership with Huawei to transform Lahore into Pakistan’s first smart city, focusing on advanced technology for governance, mobility, security, and environmental sustainability. |
| MoU with Gobi Partners | The Bank of Punjab signed an MoU with Gobi Partners to drive investment in technology and innovation, leveraging their expertise for Punjab’s economic growth. |
| E-Commerce and Trade Expansion | Participation in the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition featuring the Pakistan National Pavilion, showcasing Pakistani products and promoting live-streamed e-commerce. |
| Renewable Energy Collaboration | Engagement with a leading solar energy enterprise to discuss renewable energy projects and develop sustainable energy solutions for Punjab. |
In a significant development, Maryam Nawaz Sharif met Zhu Zhongming, a senior official of the Shanghai Municipality. The two leaders discussed enhancing cooperation between Shanghai and Pakistani local governments, with a focus on fostering practical, business-oriented exchanges. The discussions brought mutual commitment to deepening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues for collaboration, according to reports from the China Economic Net (CEN).
During the visit, discussions also centered on transforming Lahore into Pakistan’s first-ever smart city in partnership with Huawei. This ambitious initiative aims to integrate cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions to improve governance, urban mobility, security, and environmental sustainability in Lahore. The smart city project reflects Punjab’s commitment to leveraging advanced technologies for sustainable urban development.
A major highlight of the visit was the Punjab Investment Conference, where the Bank of Punjab signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gobi Partners, a prominent Asia-based venture capital firm. This partnership is expected to drive investment in technology and innovation across Punjab, leveraging Gobi Partners’ regional expertise to support the province’s economic growth.
The delegation also explored ways to enhance trade between Pakistan and China. A key stop on the visit was the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Trading Center, which features a Pakistan National Pavilion. The pavilion showcases a variety of Pakistani products, including textiles and handicrafts, and utilizes live-streamed e-commerce promotions to tap into China’s vast consumer market. This initiative offers Pakistani exporters a direct pathway to increase their presence in the Chinese market, potentially boosting export revenues.
Punjab’s commitment to sustainable development was reflected in the delegation’s visit to a leading solar energy enterprise. Discussions centered on advancing renewable energy projects in the province, with a focus on developing clean and sustainable energy solutions. This aligns with Punjab’s broader strategy to integrate green energy into its economic framework.
The visit highlighted the growing economic and cultural ties between Pakistan and China, with a specific emphasis on localized partnerships. By prioritizing practical exchanges and collaborations in key sectors, the delegation’s efforts are expected to yield long-term benefits for Punjab’s economic and technological landscape.
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