ISLAMABAD, April 22 (INP): Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong said that China was greatly interested in investing in five extraordinary fields of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province including olives, honey, fresh and dry fruits, saffron and precious stones, according to a report published by Gwadar Pro.

In a meeting here with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman, the envoy expressed full support of the embassy for promoting the natural resources of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with Chinese companies, said an official statement.

Chairman China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority Lt. general Asim Saleem Bajwa (retd) was also present on the occasion.

The Chinese Ambassador showed great interest in working in the five fields for investment, said the statement.

During the meeting, the Governor apprised the ambassador of investment opportunities in five extraordinary fields of the province.

“These fields include olives, honey, fresh and dry fruits, saffron and precious stones,” the Governor said. He mentioned investment in these fields will create vast employment opportunities, eventually resulting in economic growth.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is the third-largest province in the country with an average contribution of 10% to the Pakistani economy. In fact, the economy of the province reaps a hefty revenue from three major sectors - agriculture, industry, and services.

Moreover, the mining sector and forestry also play a major role in generating revenue from the province.

Despite a number of internal as well as external hiccups in the economic activity in the province, the people of the province have managed to maintain an average of 4.5% growth rate.

Among the major sectors in which Khyber Pakhtunkhwa makes a contribution, the agriculture sector is the most prominent.

The agriculture sector accounts for around 22% of the provincial Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employs around 44% of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s labor force.

Contribution to the industrial production of Pakistan is another feather in the province’s cap as manufacturing accounts for a whopping 17% of provincial GDP.