ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled for an official five-day journey to China from June 4th to 8th, upon the gracious invitation of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, as announced by the Foreign Office on Friday.
During his stay, the prime minister will engage in discussions with President Xi and participate in delegation-level talks with Premier Li in Beijing, according to the Foreign Office statement.
Moreover, he is slated to meet Zhao Leji, the chairman of the standing committee of the National People’s Congress, and heads of pivotal government departments.
In addition to these engagements, PM Shehbaz will tour economic and agricultural zones and deliver a keynote address at the Pakistan China Business Forum, as highlighted by the FO spokesperson.
A significant aspect of the visit will encompass dialogues with senior executives from prominent Chinese corporations involved in sectors such as oil and gas, energy, information and communication technology, and emerging technologies, further noted the Foreign Office.
The Prime Minister will also deliver a speech at the China-Pakistan Business Forum in Shenzhen, engaging with prominent business figures, entrepreneurs, and investors from both nations. Additionally, he will explore Economic and Agricultural Zones across China.
This visit underscores the enduring Pakistan-China friendship, characterized by frequent high-level dialogues and exchanges. Discussions will aim to bolster the All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, elevate the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, enhance trade and investment, and deepen cooperation in security, defense, energy, space, science and technology, education, and culture, fostering enduring ties between the two nations.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Shehbaz chaired a meeting to assess preparations for the upcoming visit, emphasizing the need for productive business-to-business engagements. He urged authorities to devise strategies to attract Chinese industries to Pakistan, pledging full government support to industrialists and investors.
Furthermore, he disclosed plans for a delegation comprising industrialists, investors, and businessmen to accompany him to Shenzhen. The delegation will hold discussions with the Chinese business community, facilitating bilateral business linkages.
Prime Minister Shehbaz instructed Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, to extend comprehensive support to the Pakistani business delegation during their visit. The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, along with several federal ministers and senior government officials. Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal and Pakistan’s Ambassador in Beijing participated via video link.
