Pakistan and China Enter New Cooperation Era, PM Shehbaz Says

09 Jul, 2024

Pakistan and China Enter New Cooperation Era, PM Shehbaz Says

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has announced a new era of Pakistan-China cooperation in the IT, communication, mining, and energy sectors, set to drive economic development and strengthen the longstanding bilateral relationship. During a review meeting in Islamabad, Sharif focused on the implementation of agreements and MOUs from his recent visit to China, emphasizing the economic benefits and deepening of regional ties this cooperation will bring. He highlighted China's consistent support for Pakistan and its emergence as a strong economic power, which Pakistan aims to emulate. Sharif stressed that no disruptions in implementing these agreements and MOUs would be tolerated, and he would personally oversee their progress. Sharif was briefed on a recent delegation of Chinese shoemaking companies visiting Pakistan to shift manufacturing units, with potential investments of USD 5-8 billion.

In the agriculture sector, 12 leading Chinese companies will participate in the Food and Agri Expo in Pakistan this year. Sharif reviewed the plan to send 1,000 Pakistani students to China for advanced agricultural training, emphasizing merit-based selection and prioritizing students from Balochistan. The meeting also covered the technical training of 300,000 students by Huawei and progress on communication, infrastructure, and electricity projects in Gwadar.

Sharif urged expedited development of Gwadar Seaport, Airport, and Industrial Zone and instructed to speed up negotiations with Chinese solar panel and equipment manufacturers to relocate factories to Pakistan. Sharif assured Chinese investors of full facilitation and security for individuals, projects, and investments in Pakistan, following enhanced security measures after the tragic Dasu attack, with USD 2.58 million compensation paid to victims' families.