ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating Chinese investment, announcing that his government will provide every possible support for the establishment of Special Economic Zones across the country.
He made these remarks while meeting a delegation of the Chinese company Shandong Xinxu Group Corporation, led by its Chairman Hou Jianxin, in Islamabad.
The prime minister said Pakistan and China have stood shoulder to shoulder in every challenge, and the government is determined to take bilateral economic cooperation to new heights. He invited Chinese industries to explore opportunities in multiple sectors of Pakistan’s economy.
Investment prospects
Shehbaz Sharif underlined that Pakistan has immense potential in the shipbreaking and ship recycling sectors, noting that the government is keen to unlock this capacity.
He assured the Chinese delegation that all necessary facilities would be extended to ensure smooth business operations within the proposed Special Economic Zones.
Shandong’s plans
During the meeting, Chairman Hou Jianxin expressed appreciation for the government’s support and revealed his company’s interest in setting up a maritime industrial complex in Pakistan. He announced that Shandong Xinxu Group intends to construct a green shipbreaking yard in the country, which would adhere to environmentally responsible recycling practices.
Hou Jianxin also highlighted Pakistan’s untapped potential in fishing, fish processing, and date processing, adding that the company wishes to take advantage of these sectors to enhance trade and industrial collaboration.
The meeting was also attended by Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Establishment Dr Touqeer Shah, and senior government officials
