Pakistan and China have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their long-standing strategic partnership, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighting the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, known as CPEC 2.0.
Addressing a reception in Islamabad to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the Pakistan-China relationship as an enduring partnership based on mutual trust, support and close ties between the two peoples.
The prime minister said Pakistan remained committed to further strengthening its all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China. He also noted that Pakistan and China are marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
According to the prime minister, CPEC represents an important expression of the bilateral relationship and the shared objective of promoting economic development in both countries. He said Pakistan and China were now moving towards CPEC 2.0, with greater attention to industrialisation, special economic zones, information technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture and mines and minerals.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted agricultural cooperation between the two countries. He said the first group of 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates had completed training in China, while another 1,000 graduates were preparing to participate in the programme.
The prime minister said Pakistan fully supported Chinese initiatives including the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative and Global Governance Initiative.
Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong also spoke at the event and described Pakistan and China as all-weather strategic cooperative partners. He highlighted the expansion of economic ties and provided figures on bilateral trade and investment.
According to the ambassador, Pakistan-China bilateral trade reached $16.44 billion between January and July, representing a 13.4 percent year-on-year increase. Bilateral agricultural trade was reported at around $830 million during January-August, up 45 percent compared with the same period a year earlier.
The Chinese envoy also said China remained the largest source of foreign investment in Pakistan, accounting for 60.7 percent of total foreign investment attracted by Pakistan, including Hong Kong.
The event was attended by senior Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and several federal ministers, along with members of the diplomatic corps.
The two countries have maintained close economic and diplomatic relations for decades, with CPEC remaining a central component of their economic cooperation.
The emphasis on CPEC 2.0 indicates a broader focus on industrial development, technology, agriculture and natural resources alongside infrastructure projects. The implementation of these priorities will depend on financing, project execution, investment and continued coordination between the two governments.
Pakistan and China are expected to continue working together on economic and strategic initiatives as they mark 75 years of diplomatic relations and move into the next phase of their bilateral partnership.
