Maryam Nawaz Meets Chinese Delegation, Agrees on $700 Million Investment

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s recent visit to China has already yielded significant results. During a meeting at Punjab House in Islamabad, a high-ranking Chinese delegation, led by Chengdu General Coordinator for the ICT Hub, Ms. Scarlett, and Huawei’s Deputy CEO Mr. Yu Re, agreed on a major investment deal worth $700 million.

The agreement includes the introduction of an E-Taxi service with support from the Chengdu government. Additionally, a Chinese company will establish a new computing center in the IT city of Punjab. A pivotal part of the agreement involves the development of state-of-the-art data and cloud centers, with the Punjab government offering land and infrastructure for these centers.

Moreover, the partnership will launch Pakistan’s first-ever e-commerce platform, with a focus on training the nation’s youth in global online trading. As part of the collaboration, a series of smart city projects will be rolled out in Lahore, including a smart control room, intelligent traffic management, and advanced sanitation systems.

As part of the phase two initiatives, youth in Punjab will be introduced to the latest artificial intelligence technologies through the creation of an AI Industry Center. The Chinese government has also committed to supporting the capacity-building of platform services in the region.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif highlighted her vision of transforming Punjab into a leading artificial intelligence center, driven by China’s technological expertise. She expressed a strong desire for Punjab to become a hub for IT in the region and to provide the next generation of Pakistan’s youth with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.