Beijing: On his official visit to China, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang to discuss enhancing the partnership between the two nations. The leaders agreed to fast-track the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and to initiate work on five additional economic corridors aimed at boosting regional development and connectivity.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif thanked China for its steadfast support of Pakistan’s economic reforms and sovereignty. He emphasized that CPEC remains central to Pakistan’s future, with key priorities including the completion of the Karakoram Highway, modernization of Railway Line-1, and full operationalization of Gwadar Port.
A new joint action plan spanning 2024 to 2029 was signed, focusing on expanding cooperation in areas such as agriculture, IT, technology innovation, and media.
The Prime Minister also highlighted an upcoming investment conference in Beijing, expected to bring together 300 Pakistani and 500 Chinese companies. He underscored sectors like agriculture, textiles, mining, manufacturing, and IT as prime opportunities for investment.
Pakistan is also preparing to issue Panda Bonds in China’s capital markets, a move designed to deepen financial collaboration between the two countries.
Supporting China’s President Xi Jinping’s initiatives on global development, security, and cultural cooperation, the Prime Minister reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to these shared goals. Both countries agreed to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2026 with grand festivities, marking decades of close partnership.
