BEIJING: Provincial Minister Local Government Muhammad Mansha Ullah Butt on Tuesday said that Pakistan is keen to further strengthen its cooperative ties with China especially in the areas of trade, investment and energy.

Addressing the business community at a forum in Beijing, he said, “Punjab is committed towards developing long-term cooperation with China beyond China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.”

“It will provide us opportunity to learn from the Chinese experiences to better manage the waste and provide excellent water supply and sanitation facilities in Punjab,” he said.

He said that he feels proud of Pak-China relationship. “It is a matter of great satisfaction that Punjab contributes to more than 60 percent of Pakistan’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and has become an engine of growth and development for the whole country,” he said.

He said, “Chief Minister Punjab Shahbaz Sharif has a vision to strengthen Pak-China relationship. He is committed to ensure merit and transparency in every project and tender. The CM and his team are committed to directly supervise the development projects.”

The Minister urged the Chinese business community and representatives of Chinese companies to participate in every project of solid waste management, hospital waste management, biogas and energy projects as well as water and sanitation projects initiated by the Punjab government.

He said, “CM Shahbaz Sharif takes a keen interest in improving solid waste management situation in the province. In this regard, he is committed to create waste free cities, towns and villages.”

He said, “The CM wishes to provide equal services to all corners of Punjab regardless of their urban or rural status. CM Shahbaz and his team will make sure all participants in tender/ bidding are facilitated adequately.”

The Minister reaffirmed commitment of the Government of Punjab to further strengthening and deepening its relations with China “in a manner truly reflective of the aspirations of the two nations.” —NNI