Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in Beijing on Friday, as confirmed by the Foreign Office.
During their discussions, they reaffirmed their commitment to safeguard the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor from any opposition or adversarial forces.
FO spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch revealed during a weekly press briefing that the two leaders engaged in delegation-level talks, marking the conclusion of the premier’s five-day visit to China. This trip, Shehbaz’s first following the February 8 general elections, is anticipated to witness the commencement of CPEC’s second phase.
The visit has caused a delay in the annual federal budget presentation, typically scheduled for the first week of June. The government now aims to present it on June 12. Zahra noted that during today’s discussions, both premiers expressed steadfast dedication to safeguarding CPEC, emphasizing its high-quality development and the timely execution of ongoing projects.
The Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, characterized by mutual trust and shared principles, was reaffirmed during the talks. Prime Minister Shehbaz reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects within Pakistan.
The two nations also agreed to enhance high-level exchanges and institutional linkages across various spheres of bilateral cooperation. They pledged to closely collaborate on regional and global issues, particularly during Pakistan’s two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.
Additionally, Zahra highlighted the signing of 23 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements, aimed at bolstering cooperation in diverse fields such as transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, and socio-economic development.
Following his meeting in Beijing, PM Shehbaz is scheduled to visit Xi’an, where he will engage with provincial leadership and business leaders in the agricultural and green energy sectors. His arrival at the Great Hall of People in Beijing was met with a Guard of Honour.
China trip
Prime Minister Shehbaz and a significant portion of the federal cabinet journeyed to Shenzhen, China’s tech hub, for a five-day visit aiming to attract increased investments.
During the trip, Shehbaz emphasized business-to-business collaboration and assured Chinese investors of comprehensive support and security measures. He invited Huawei to invest in Pakistan’s taxation, e-governance sectors, and Safe City projects, resulting in the signing of 32 MoUs to boost trade and investment.
Shehbaz also met with potential Chinese investors, emphasizing Pakistan’s efforts to enhance governance, expand the tax base, and facilitate business to attract foreign investment.
At a Pakistan-China Friendship and Business Reception, he advocated for adopting the Chinese development model to propel Pakistan towards becoming a “great nation,” focusing on industrial and agricultural growth. The Pakistani delegation, led by Shehbaz, includes prominent figures such as Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, and others holding key ministerial positions.
