Maryam Nawaz invites Filipino investors to explore opportunities in Punjab

LAHORE (Dunya News) — Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has invited Filipino investors to step forward and invest in Punjab, assuring full cooperation and all necessary facilities to help them set up shop in the province.

She extended the offer during a meeting with the Ambassador of the Philippines, Dr. Emmanuel R. Fernandez, where both sides discussed bilateral ties, investment prospects, climate change, defence cooperation and people-to-people links. They also exchanged views on political, constitutional and parliamentary cooperation.

Both sides agreed to strengthen collaboration between Punjab and the Philippines, while the chief minister congratulated Manila on securing the ASEAN chairmanship for 2026.
Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan and the Philippines enjoy a 76-year-long, respectful and steady friendship, adding that Lahore and Punjab always keep their doors open for friendly nations. She said shared spiritual and cultural values, peace and harmony connect both countries.

Highlighting the economic potential of Punjab, she said the province contributes 60 percent to Pakistan’s GDP and offers wide opportunities in IT, energy, agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, auto parts, logistics and construction. She noted that SIFC and PBIT are providing one-window support and policy stability for investors, while Punjab’s Special Economic Zones offer world-class infrastructure, tax incentives and customs facilities.

The chief minister also mentioned the strong defence relationship, including 25 MoUs and a 2022 defence cooperation agreement, calling it a new chapter in bilateral ties.

Maryam Nawaz expressed sorrow over recent earthquakes and typhoons in the Philippines and said Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with the Filipino people.

She praised the joint role of Pakistan and the Philippines in establishing the Loss and Damage Fund and said Punjab wishes to benefit from Manila’s disaster-management expertise through institutional exchanges.

She added that thousands of Filipinos living in Pakistan and many Pakistanis residing in the Philippines are strengthening the friendship between the two nations. She said Lahore’s recognition as a UNESCO Creative City and ECO Tourism Capital 2027 will open new doors for cultural and tourism cooperation.

Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed that Pakistan and the Philippines are committed to further boosting their ties based on trust, shared values and mutual respect, and Punjab is ready to take partnerships in every sector to new heights.