PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Mines and Minerals Arif Ahmadzai has invited Chinese investors and mining companies to explore the province’s vast mineral resources, assuring them of full government facilitation and foolproof security for their investments and personnel. The minister made these remarks during a visit to China Window, the Chinese cultural and information centre in Peshawar, where he toured different galleries and was briefed about the organisation’s activities aimed at strengthening Pakistan-China friendship, promoting Chinese culture and enhancing people-to-people contacts. Arif Ahmadzai appreciated the role of China Window in bringing the people of Pakistan and China closer and described such initiatives as an important contribution to further strengthening the time-tested friendship between the two countries.
Talking to the media on the occasion, the minister said Pakistan-China friendship had stood the test of time and had developed into a comprehensive partnership covering economic development, infrastructure, industry, education, culture and people-to-people cooperation. He said the next important dimension of this partnership should be greater Chinese participation in the economic sectors of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, particularly mines and minerals. The minister said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was richly endowed with valuable mineral resources and possessed tremendous potential for responsible mining, mineral processing and value addition. He stressed that instead of merely extracting and exporting raw materials, greater attention should be paid to modern technology, processing facilities and the establishment of industries that could create employment opportunities and contribute to the provincial economy. Arif Ahmadzai extended an open invitation to Chinese investors, mining companies and technology providers to visit Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, study its mineral potential and explore opportunities for joint ventures and long-term investment. “Chinese companies have extensive experience, modern technology and expertise in the mining and mineral processing sectors. We would welcome their investment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and provide them with every possible facilitation,” he said.
He assured prospective Chinese investors that the provincial government attached the highest importance to the safety of foreign investors and would make foolproof security arrangements for Chinese nationals and companies undertaking projects in the province. The minister said investment in mineral exploration, modern mining techniques and value-added industries could generate thousands of employment opportunities, increase provincial revenues and help transform mineral-rich areas into centres of economic activity. He also emphasised the need to connect the mineral sector with the broader framework of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor cooperation, saying Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had the resources and geographical importance to play a significant role in the next phase of Pakistan-China economic engagement.
During his visit, Arif Ahmadzai expressed admiration for China Window and said its efforts to promote Chinese culture, language and mutual understanding had helped create greater awareness about Pakistan-China relations among the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He said economic cooperation accompanied by stronger cultural and people-to-people relations would provide an even more durable foundation for the all-weather strategic partnership between Pakistan and China.
