PM Shehbaz Sharif ready for positive China visit

Islamabad. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to begin an important visit to China from June 4-8, 2024, with the primary goal of strengthening bilateral cooperation further.

This visit comes at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. During his five-day trip, Sharif will travel to Xi’an, Shenzhen, and Beijing.

In Beijing, Sharif will engage in high-level discussions with President Xi Jinping and hold delegation-level talks with Premier Li Qiang. Additionally, he will meet with Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and other prominent government officials.

PM Sharif is also scheduled to meet with corporate executives from leading Chinese companies in sectors such as oil and gas, energy, information and communication technology (ICT), and emerging technologies.

Since 2013, Chinese investments and financial aid have been essential for Pakistan, helping the country navigate its economic challenges.

This support includes crucial loan rollovers that have allowed Pakistan to meet its external financing obligations amidst low foreign reserves.

PM Sharif’s upcoming visit aims to enhance cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a central project within Beijing’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Although CPEC has brought significant Chinese investments to Pakistan, particularly in power and infrastructure projects worth US $65 billion, its progress has slowed recently due to problems at the Pakistani end.

The visit aims to reinforce the strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China, focusing on upgrading the CPEC initiative, boosting trade and investment, and enhancing cooperation in security, defense, energy, space, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges.

The timing of Sharif’s visit reflects Islamabad’s urgent need to rejuvenate the CPEC project to revive its economy.

At a recent briefing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to strong trust underpinning the bilateral relationship with China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning echoed this sentiment, affirming China’s readiness to collaborate with Pakistan to strengthen their strategic partnership and ensure the safety of Chinese nationals.