A dinner was hosted by CEO Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT), Ms Amena Cheema, in Lahore last night in honour of Chinese Consul General Yu Boren . . The further strengthening of economic ties between Pakistan and China has been a key priority for the CEO since she took over the reins of PBIT in November 2015. The dinner was attended by members of the provincial cabinet including Minister for Industries Ch. Muhammad Shafiq, Minister for Housing, Tanveer Aslam and Minister for Labour Raja Ashraf Sarwar. A large number of prominent Punjab-based businessmen attended the dinner including leading tycoon Mian Muhammad Mansha . Senior officials of the Punjab Government were also present,, including Chairman Planning and Development, Jehanzeb Khan, Secretary Industries Nabeel Javed and Secretary Energy, Asad Gilani. The dinner afforded an opportunity to the Chinese Consul General and members of his entourage to be briefed about existing and emerging investment opportunities in Punjab. . Mr Boren expressed his appreciation of PBIT’s role in facilitating Chinese investment in Punjab . Proposals to initiate special economic zones specifically for Chinese companies were warmly received. A recurring theme throughout the evening was the heartening improvement in the country’s economic indicators after years of crises and instability.