Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China, describing the bilateral relationship as an iron-clad bond built on mutual trust and cooperation. Speaking at an Islamabad reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Sharif emphasized that the two nations are marking the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.
Bilateral Trade and Economic Expansion
Bilateral economic cooperation has expanded significantly, according to Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong. Ambassador Jiang stated that bilateral trade reached $16.44 billion between January and July, marking a 13.4 percent year-on-year increase. Agricultural trade between the two countries totaled approximately $830 million from January to August, reflecting a 45 percent increase compared to the previous year. China remains the leading investor in Pakistan, accounting for 60.7 percent of total foreign investment attracted by the country, including Hong Kong.
Advancement of CPEC 2.0 and Sector Cooperation
Both governments are actively transitioning their economic cooperation toward the next phase, known as CPEC 2.0 under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. This upgraded framework places an emphasis on industrialization, special economic zones, information technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, and mines and minerals. Ambassador Jiang noted that China is prepared to work with Pakistan to advance high-quality development within CPEC 2.0 and upgrade the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement.
Agricultural collaboration serves as a core component of this transition. Prime Minister Sharif highlighted that an initial group of 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates has completed training programs in China, with a second cohort of 1,000 graduates preparing to follow. Additional cooperative efforts include planned infrastructure and livelihood projects in Balochistan, such as the construction of 100 clean water stations, the upgrading of 1,000 smart classrooms, and the distribution of 100,000 school kits.
Endorsement of Global Strategic Initiatives
During the anniversary event, Prime Minister Sharif expressed Pakistan’s full endorsement of President Xi Jinping’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative. Sharif stated that these frameworks serve as foundational pillars for a shared future for mankind. Recalling discussions during his meeting with President Xi in Beijing in May, Sharif reiterated that bilateral relations remain the anchor of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Related reading