Gilgit-Baltistan – (Special Correpondent/Web Desk) – Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan, Amjad Hussain, met the Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan, Jiang Zedong, at the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad. The meeting focused on inviting more Chinese investors Gilgit-Baltistan to tap into the region’s untapped resources and growing opportunities.
The Chinese envoy welcomed the newly appointed Chief Minister and congratulated him on taking office. He praised the deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China and said there is huge room to grow ties between Gilgit-Baltistan and China’s Xinjiang region, especially Kashgar.
According to the ambassador, both sides can work more closely in fields like minerals, energy, tourism, trade and border management. He added that ongoing talks between President Asif Ali Zardari and Chinese leaders have already touched on many of these topics.
The ambassador assured the Chief Minister that all suggestions from the Gilgit-Baltistan government would be shared with Chinese authorities for further action.
In his remarks, Amjad Hussain thanked the ambassador for the warm reception and meaningful discussion. He said he hopes to visit China soon and meet senior officials, including the Governor of Xinjiang, to build on the old cultural and economic bonds between the two regions.
The Chief Minister also invited Chinese firms and private investors to explore business opportunities in Gilgit-Baltistan. He pointed to strong potential in minerals, hydropower, clean energy, tourism and infrastructure development.
He said the region is rich in natural resources and promised full support from the local government to any Chinese investors Gilgit-Baltistan wishes to bring on board.
Amjad Hussain also praised the fast growth seen in Xinjiang under President Xi Jinping’s leadership, calling it a strong example of balanced regional development.
He gave his word that the Gilgit-Baltistan government would keep the Karakoram Highway safe and open at all times, noting its key role in trade, tourism and connectivity between the two countries.
During the talks, the Chief Minister floated the idea of starting direct flights between Skardu and Kashgar to boost tourism and closer people-to-people links.
He also proposed that, once approved by Islamabad, Chinese tourists be given visa-on-arrival access in Hunza. This step, he said, would give a fresh push to tourism and trade between the two sides.
Wrapping up the meeting, the ambassador appreciated the Chief Minister’s practical ideas and said China remains committed to working together on all fronts. He welcomed the planned visit to China and said it could open new doors for cooperation, especially in bringing more Chinese investment into Gilgit-Baltistan.
The Chief Minister’s team included Chief Secretary Arshad Majeed and Finance Secretary Najeeb, among other officials.
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