ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasized the need to broaden Pakistan-China cooperation under the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0), identifying agriculture, information technology, industrial development, special economic zones, and mining as key areas for future collaboration.
The prime minister made these remarks during a meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who called on him in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz conveyed his warm regards to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang and recalled his recent visit to China, describing his engagements with the Chinese leadership as productive and substantive.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its longstanding strategic partnership with China, the prime minister stressed the importance of ensuring swift implementation of decisions reached during his recent visit, including agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) signed between Pakistani and Chinese companies at a business-to-business investment conference held in Hangzhou last month.
He underscored the need for both countries to focus on translating commitments into practical outcomes, including investment projects and commercial partnerships that can contribute to economic growth and development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz also appreciated Ambassador Jiang’s efforts in facilitating his recent visit and highlighted the importance of continued coordination to ensure effective follow-up on bilateral initiatives.
According to the official statement, the two sides also discussed accelerating work on the Karakoram Highway (KKH) realignment project, along with enhancing cooperation in security, counterterrorism, and defence.
The meeting further reviewed matters related to economic and financial cooperation, as well as regional and international developments of mutual interest.
Ambassador Jiang congratulated the prime minister on the successful outcome of his visit to China and conveyed greetings on the occasion of Eidul Adha. Reaffirming Beijing’s commitment to its longstanding friendship with Islamabad, he stated that China remains ready to expand cooperation with Pakistan across a wide range of sectors.
The meeting was also attended by Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr. Syed Tauqir Shah and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch.
Story By Zulfiqar Ahmad
