Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has called for a new era of cooperation between Pakistan and China. She highlighted technology, artificial intelligence, investment, and innovation as key areas.
She made the remarks while addressing the International Big Data Expo in Beijing. The chief minister also presented Punjab as a major emerging market for Chinese companies and investors.
Punjab Seeks Deeper Economic Cooperation
Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan and China have maintained close relations for decades. She stressed that both countries can now turn this friendship into deeper economic and technological cooperation.
She described China as a “trusted friend” and “reliable brother.” Moreover, she said the next phase of bilateral ties should focus on investment, technology, industrialization, innovation, culture, and shared development goals.
The chief minister also praised President Xi Jinping’s vision. She highlighted his focus on common prosperity, security, stability, soft power, and respect for national sovereignty.
Punjab Highlights Investment Potential
Maryam Nawaz presented Punjab as a major investment destination. The province has a population of around 130 million people.
She described Punjab as Pakistan’s food basket and a major economic center. In addition, she noted that people from across Pakistan continue to move to the province for better economic and social opportunities.
The chief minister compared Punjab with China’s Guizhou province. Although Guizhou has a smaller population, she said both regions share large human resources and growing urbanization.
AI and Technology at the Center
Technology remains central to Punjab’s development plans. According to Maryam Nawaz, the provincial government is accelerating digital transformation across key sectors.
She said artificial intelligence and big data will increasingly shape economies and public services. Punjab has already started using AI in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and public administration.
Furthermore, the province is expanding technology education and skills development. These efforts aim to prepare young people for a workforce increasingly influenced by automation and digital technologies.
Punjab Looks to Guizhou for Cooperation
Maryam Nawaz also highlighted Guizhou’s progress in digital technology. She said the Chinese province offers valuable lessons for Punjab’s digital transformation.
She expressed interest in expanding cooperation between Punjab and Guizhou. The proposed areas include digital technology, innovation, skills development, and the digital economy.
Call for Chinese Investment
The chief minister invited Chinese businesses and investors to participate in Punjab’s economic transformation.
In particular, she highlighted opportunities linked to modern agriculture and technology-driven industries. She also emphasized the province’s efforts to improve innovation and digital capabilities.
As a result, stronger Punjab-China cooperation could create new opportunities in technology, investment, agriculture, and industrial development.
