LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar said that new dimensions would be given for cooperation with China in Punjab. “China has assured of its every possible cooperation to Punjab in different projects including promotion of agriculture, eradication of poverty, initiating the process of development in the neglected southern areas of Punjab and provision of potable water to the people,” he said adding that the process of reforms is being speedily implemented in Punjab; as a result of it, new opportunities of foreign investment are being generated besides providing all-out facilities and protection to the investors. “Rather than depending on any aid, special attention is being paid on investment in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan,” he said adding that China is a longstanding friend of Pakistan and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has transformed these friendly relations into bonds of investment which is a symbol of a bright future of both the countries. He said that visionary leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf is not only fully aware about the importance of CPEC project but this project is being given new dimensions through Saudi investment and it has further enhanced the utility of this gigantic project which will help to achieve the objectives in future with renewed vigour. He expressed these views while talking to Chinese Ambassador Yao Jing at Punjab House, Islamabad on Monday. During the meeting, various matters include bilateral relations, CPEC, projects being completed in Punjab through Chinese corporation and enhancing investment came under discussion. The Punjab chief minister said that China has sided with Pakistan in every hour of trial. Similarities exist in the viewpoints of leadership of both the countries on different international issues. He said that Chinese development is a role model for Pakistan. He said that the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government is committed to eradicate corruption and far-reaching steps are being taken to bring back the looted money from abroad. “It will enhance public trust over the government departments and trust of the foreign investors will also be restored. It will usher in a new era of development and the development process will be accelerated,” he added. He also said that the PTI government is a government of the people and VIP culture has been eliminated. “Simplicity is being promoted and PM Imran Khan has started eliminating VIP culture starting from himself,” he said adding that public friendly steps of the government have enhanced the trust of common man on the government. “The PTI government is speedily working on a 100-day programme to transform every sector of life and the environment is fully safe and sound for foreign investment,” he further said. Chinese ambassador congratulated Punjab CM Sardar Usman Buzdar and said that Chinese government will extend every possible cooperation to the new government in Pakistan in all the sectors of life and Pakistan-China friendship will be further strengthened in days to come. “Punjab has an important place in the national economy and China has keen interest in agricultural development of Punjab and every possible cooperation and investment will be provided in this regard,” he said adding that China will provide its cooperation to improve the social sector. “In the next phase of CPEC, contacts with the people will be strengthened and local people will be provided cooperation in different social sectors so that Pakistan-China friendship could be further strengthened,” he added. The Punjab CM also presented a gift of a traditional stick from Dera Ghazi Khan to the Chinese ambassador. Separarely, a delegation of chairmen and vice chairmen of various local bodies from Multan under the leadership of Member of National Assembly Zain Qureshi called on Usman Buzdar. Member of Punjab Assembly Javed Akhtar Ansari was also present in the meeting which took place at Punjab House. On this occasion, Buzdar said that in order to solve people’s problems at their doorsteps, PTI’s government is speedily working on a comprehensive strategy for making local bodies strong and active. He said that under the new local body system, relief will be provided to the people in the real sense and representatives of people will be answerable to them. The new local body system will greatly help to solve the problems of backward areas, he added. He said that PTI is striving for change and making local bodies active in right directions is utmost necessary for establishing a new Pakistan. He also said that stability of local bodies’ institutions is an important point of PTI’s government 100-days agenda and important decisions are being taken in this regard. Delegation members appreciated the steps taken by Buzdar. Published in Daily Times, September 25th 2018.