Chinese Consulate Lahore hosts Friendship Award Ceremony 2024

LAHORE: The Chinese Consulate in Lahore organised the “Friendship Award 2024” ceremony at a local hotel, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening Pakistan-China relations.

The event was attended by prominent figures, including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Punjab Minister for Industry and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Secretary Industry and Commerce Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary Transport Ahmad Javed Qazi, Inspector General of Police Usman Anwar, along with industrialists, columnists, and senior journalists.

Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren presented the “Friendship Award” to notable personalities, including Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Punjab Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, and former caretaker provincial minister Aamir Mir.

The award recognised their efforts in strengthening the bond of friendship between Pakistan and China.

Speaking at the event, Punjab Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain emphasised that the decades-long ties between Pakistan and China had reached new heights and would continue to grow stronger. He highlighted that “China has always stood by Pakistan, and their friendship deepens with every passing moment.”

He also mentioned the Chief Minister Punjab’s initiative of establishing a “Garment City” in Quaid-e-Azam Business Park, Sheikhupura, which will be powered by solar energy. He added that Chinese companies are investing in Punjab’s solar energy, textile, agriculture, and lithium battery production sectors, opening new avenues for economic development in the province.

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Chinese Consul General Zhao Shiren stressed China’s unwavering support for Pakistan in challenging times and the role of Chinese investments in elevating bilateral trade relations. He noted that a Chinese solar energy company, Aiko, had signed an agreement to manufacture solar panels in Punjab, while a major Chinese mobile phone company plans to set up a manufacturing plant in Faisalabad.

He highlighted the success of the first phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and expressed optimism about its second phase being a game-changer for trade relations between the two countries.

The Consul General reiterated that the friendship between China and Pakistan has stood the test of time, with CPEC being a shining example of their cooperation. He added that the recent visit to China under the leadership of Punjab’s Chief Minister would further enhance bilateral collaboration.

He also thanked the Government of Pakistan for providing excellent security and business facilitation to Chinese investors. He expressed confidence that the investment climate in Pakistan would continue to improve, encouraging more Chinese companies to invest.

Award recipients, including Federal Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik, Punjab Minister Chaudhry Shafay, Punjab Police IG Usman Anwar, DG Walled City Lahore Authority Kamran Lashari, Secretary Industry Ehsan Bhutta, and senior journalist Salman Ghani, shared their thoughts. They reaffirmed their commitment to fostering Pakistan-China relations and enhancing economic cooperation.

A total of 20 personalities were honored with awards during the ceremony.