On June 7, 2024, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing to reaffirm their commitment to the high-quality development of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and to ensure the timely completion of major ongoing projects. This meeting, held at the historic Great Hall of the People, marked PM Shehbaz’s first visit to China since the February 8 general elections and was a pivotal moment in advancing CPEC into its second phase. During the productive discussions, both leaders underscored the importance of upgrading CPEC and furthering its development. They agreed on the necessity of enhancing regional connectivity and economic growth through this mega project. PM Shehbaz briefed President Xi on Pakistan’s economic policies, focusing on reforms, sustained growth, industrial development, agricultural modernization, and the pivotal role CPEC plays in the country’s development strategy. He emphasized Pakistan’s dedication to fostering synergy between the development strategies of both nations through close coordination.
The meeting, described as reflecting the “traditional warmth and ironclad friendship” between the two countries, was also attended by federal ministers, senior officials, and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir. This gathering highlighted the deep strategic ties and mutual trust shared by Pakistan and China. PM Shehbaz expressed gratitude to President Xi for the warm welcome and recalled President Xi’s historic visit to Pakistan in 2015, which had officially operationalized CPEC, marking a significant chapter in their bilateral relationship.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership,” resolving to deepen cooperation across various domains, including political, security, economic, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. They also discussed regional and global developments, including the situations in Afghanistan, Palestine, South Asia, and the human rights issues in Indian-occupied Kashmir. The leaders pledged their continued support for each other’s core interests and commended initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative, highlighting CPEC’s significant contribution to Pakistan’s socio-economic development. PM Shehbaz assured President Xi of Pakistan’s full support for the safety and security of Chinese nationals, projects, and institutions in Pakistan. He emphasized that the government’s agenda for people-centric socio-economic development aligns with China’s concept of “shared prosperity.”
President Xi reiterated China’s steadfast support for Pakistan, emphasizing the broad development prospects of their strategic partnership. He assured PM Shehbaz of China’s assistance in Pakistan’s economic and social development, urging both countries to focus on promoting the joint construction of CPEC.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz met with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where both leaders resolved to protect CPEC from its detractors and adversaries. They expressed their firm commitment to CPEC’s high-quality development and the timely completion of ongoing projects. The Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, highlighted that the Pakistan-China partnership is characterized by mutual trust, shared principles, and strategic convergence. PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to ensure the safety and security of Chinese personnel and projects in Pakistan.
During this visit, 32 MoUs and agreements were signed to deepen cooperation in areas such as transport infrastructure, industry, energy, agriculture, media, health, water, and socio-economic development. PM Shehbaz also planned to visit Xi’an to meet provincial leaders and business figures in the agricultural and green energy sectors. The trip commenced with PM Shehbaz and the federal cabinet landing in China’s tech hub of Shenzhen, seeking more investments. Emphasizing the need for business-to-business cooperation, the premier assured Chinese investors of facilitation and security. He invited technology giant Huawei to invest in Pakistan’s taxation and e-governance sectors and enhance its presence in various Safe City projects. The nations signed multiple MoUs to promote trade and investment.
PM Shehbaz also met with potential Chinese investors, including the president of China’s Exim Bank, assuring them of Pakistan’s steps to improve governance, expand the tax net, and ensure ease of doing business to attract foreign direct investment. Speaking at the 4th Pakistan-China Friendship and Business Reception in Beijing, he emphasized that following the Chinese development model, focusing on industrial and agricultural growth, could help Pakistan become a “great nation.” The Pakistani delegation included prominent business figures and key ministers, highlighting the comprehensive nature of this visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and securing future development and investment opportunities for Pakistan.
