BEIJING: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced plans to establish Punjab’s first dedicated data center, called the “Punjab Data Lake,” while inviting Chinese technology firms, investors and infrastructure companies to explore investment opportunities in the province, as Pakistan and China seek to expand their long-standing partnership into data, innovation and modern technology.
Speaking at the International Big Data Expo in Beijing, Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan and China were working to take their close relationship into a new era driven by technology and innovation. She described the bilateral friendship as time-tested and built on mutual respect.
“Punjab’s first dedicated data center is further strengthening our sovereign capabilities,” she added.
The chief minister said Punjab was taking steps to speed up digital transformation and turn the province into a center for modern technology and the digital economy.
She said the provincial government was preparing young people for the changing job market by providing modern technology education and skills. According to Maryam Nawaz, the digital revolution is changing economies around the world and could create major opportunities for new jobs.
She also highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence and big data in future development. The Punjab government has already started using AI in sectors such as education, health care, agriculture and government services.
Maryam Nawaz pointed to China's rapid development in the digital sector as an example for Pakistan. She said China's progress in Guizhou province was particularly impressive and added that Pakistan wanted to increase cooperation with China in technology and digital development.
Earlier, Maryam Nawaz met He Zhongyou, the Communist Party secretary in Beijing. During the meeting, the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to strengthen cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Punjab remains one of Pakistan's major food-producing regions, making agriculture an important part of the province's economy and investment strategy.
Maryam Nawaz encouraged Chinese investors to take advantage of opportunities in Punjab and support the province's efforts to modernize its technology and agricultural sectors.
Her remarks in Beijing come as Pakistan seeks to deepen economic and technological ties with China and attract greater foreign investment in emerging industries.
