Chines delegation calls on CM Punjab

Lahore: A delegation of Yutong group of China led by Overseas Deputy General Manager Kent Chang called on Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, here today. Matters relating to provision of buses for BRT Project, setting up of bus manufacturing unit in Lahore and enhancing cooperation in transport and other sectors were discussed during the meeting. Special Assistant Syed Zaeem Hussain Qadri, Member Provincial Assembly Mehr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Chairman Planning and Development, Secretary Transport, Project Director BRT and other concerned officials attended the meeting. It was agreed between Punjab government and Chinese company to enhance cooperation in transport sector.

Talking to Chinese delegation Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that provision of best, cheap and comfortable transport facilities to the masses is top priority of the Punjab government and billions of rupees have been invested for this purpose. He said that with the collaboration of Chinese companies, modern air-conditioned bus service has been launched in provincial metropolis. Shahbaz Sharif said that the buses obtained from Chinese company are plying on the roads of big cities of the province including Lahore. He said that metro bus service is a unique and splendid project in the history of the country upon which work is being carried out expeditiously round the clock. He said although Punjab government is modernizing transport system yet there is a room for further improvement. The Chief Minister disclosed that bus manufacturing company of China Yutong can extend cooperation in improving the transport system. He welcomed the proposal of Yutong of setting up a manufacturing unit in provincial metropolis and provision of buses for metro bus service and expressed the hope that this company will take part in the process of tendering with regard to provision of buses. Shahbaz Sharif said that Pak-China friendship is everlasting and strong ties exists between both the countries. However, there is a need for further promoting trade and economic cooperation between Pakistan and China, he added. He stressed that besides provision of buses, after sale service and availability of spare parts is of great importance. He directed Secretary Transport to ensure this fact while holding talks with the companies providing buses.

Head of Chinese delegation Mr. Kent Chang expressed his surprise over the speedy work on the beautiful project of metro bus service in Lahore and showed his willingness to enhance cooperation with Punjab government in transport sector. While referring the business activities of his bus manufacturing company, he disclosed that his company is working in 97 countries of the world and also intends to enhance cooperation with Punjab government. He said that we are anxiously waiting the process of tendering for provision of buses and willing for long term cooperation in this regard.