LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif yesterday returned to the city after a five-day visit to China.

Talking to the media after his arrival at Lahore airport, the chief minister said that fruitful talks were held with Chinese leadership and investors, and objectives of his visit have been achieved.

The CM said that his visit to China has been more successful than his expectations. He was hopeful that more investment will come from China in different sectors while Chinese cooperation with Pakistan especially Punjab will increase in coming days.

Chinese Consul General Yu Boren, Punjab Chief Secretary and other senior officers were present at the airport to welcome Shehbaz Sharif. Chinese Consul General congratulated the CM on the success of his visit.

Earlier in the day, the CM held meetings with Chinese investors and media in the Chinese city of Jimo, where he said that the Punjab government was utilising all its energies for coming up to the expectations of Chinese government and the ruling party.

Addressing the investors from China’s garments sector, CM Shehbaz said that the Chinese garments are very popular throughout the world including western countries. “Punjab is an ideal place for investment and the investors should keep in mind that loadshedding will be overcome by next year and abundant electricity will be available for industry,” he stated.

To a question, the CM said that maximum facilities will be provided to foreign investors as his efforts are directed towards progress and prosperity of the province.

He also highlighted the growing relations between the Communist Party of China and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) with regard to progress and prosperity of both countries.

Shehbaz Sharif also visited economic development zone in Jimo, where he witnessed various sections of the economic development zone and took special interest in service center under one window operation and international pavilion. He said that he was deeply impressed with the modern facilities available in Jimo for textile and garments sector, and the same model will be replicated in Punjab.