"A Model for the World": Punjab ( pakistan) Finance Minister Lauds Pakistan-China Alliance at Diamond Jubilee Celebration

LAHORE (Nazrana Times) Punjab Finance Minister Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman declared on Wednesday that the 75-year-old Pakistan-China friendship stands as "a model for the world," reaffirming that this All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership remains the ultimate guarantor of peace, progress, and prosperity across the region.
He expressed these views while addressing a commemorative ceremony organized by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) at its Lahore office, marking three-quarters of a century of diplomatic ties between the two neighbouring nations.
The event drew a distinguished gathering, including Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Syed Shafay Hussain, Chinese Consul General in Lahore Mr. Sun Yum, FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Mr. Zaki Aijaz, along with key members of the business community, prominent investors, and representatives from civil society.
A Bond That Has Withstood the Test of Time
In his keynote address, the Finance Minister emphasized that Pakistan-China relations have successfully weathered every challenge over the past 75 years. "Today, our friendship is not just a bilateral relationship; it is a strategic partnership that the world looks up to," he remarked. He noted that as the global economy rapidly transforms through digital technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation, fresh avenues for collaboration between the two countries will play a vital role in advancing shared prosperity.
CPEC 2.0: From Infrastructure to Innovation
Highlighting the game-changing impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Mian Mujtaba Shuja-ur-Rehman credited the mega-project with strengthening Pakistan's infrastructure, ensuring energy security, and boosting regional connectivity. As CPEC transitions into its next phase, he outlined a sharper focus on industrial cooperation, technology transfer, the digital economy, renewable energy, and modern agriculture.
Punjab's People-Centric Budget & Investment Climate
The Finance Minister praised the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, stating that the provincial government is rolling out comprehensive reforms to promote investment, strengthen institutions, and accelerate sustainable economic growth. He highlighted that the Punjab Budget for FY 2026-27 remains a people-centric document, imposing no new provincial taxes while prioritizing infrastructure, healthcare, education, digital governance, social protection, clean energy, and youth empowerment.
"Punjab is fostering an investor-friendly environment through fiscal discipline, transparency, and regulatory reforms," he said, identifying vast opportunities for Chinese investors in advanced manufacturing, IT, artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy, logistics, and technical education.
Agricultural Cooperation: A New Frontier
The Minister also expressed Punjab's keen interest in deepening collaboration with China in smart agriculture, water-efficient irrigation, agricultural mechanization, seed technology, and food processing all aimed at enhancing food security and agricultural productivity.

Chinese Consul General Reaffirms Support
Speaking on the occasion, Chinese Consul General Mr. Sun Yum reaffirmed Beijing's unwavering commitment to Pakistan's development and prosperity. He revealed that several Chinese companies are already actively engaged in Punjab's agricultural sector, while China continues to support vocational training initiatives across the country. He confirmed that work under the next phase of CPEC is progressing steadily and assured greater facilitation for Pakistani enterprises seeking access to Chinese markets.
Industry Leaders Weigh In
Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Syed Shafay Hussain highlighted the robust infrastructure and investment potential of the province, adding that the Punjab Government is working closely with China to drive innovation in agriculture by leveraging Chinese expertise in seed development and artificial intelligence technologies.
The Finance Minister also acknowledged the significant role of FPCCI in translating diplomatic goodwill into practical economic cooperation and appreciated the valuable services of the Chinese Consulate General in Lahore.
A Renewed Commitment
The ceremony concluded with an exchange of goodwill and a renewed pledge from both sides to further strengthen bilateral relations. The Finance Minister expressed his confidence that the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China will continue to promote peace, prosperity, and shared development for the peoples of both nations.