Expressing admiration for the Chinese development model, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Thursday that Pakistan could achieve greatness through hard work and a focus on industrial and agricultural growth by following this model.
“All Pakistanis must endure this challenging process to gain global respect,” the prime minister remarked at the 4th Pakistan-China Friendship and Business Reception in Beijing.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz met with Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, Ambassador Luo Zhaohui, to discuss enhancing cooperation based on common development, strategic trust, and mutual benefit.
The prime minister praised CIDCA’s support for CPEC projects, including the Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital, the Desalination Plant in Gwadar, and the New Gwadar International Airport. Both parties expressed confidence in maintaining the momentum in CPEC’s second phase.
Seeking investment for a communications infrastructure project and commending the rapid completion of the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, PM Shehbaz invited the Chairman of China Northern Industry Corporation to invest in Pakistan’s communications infrastructure, particularly the Karachi Circular Railway.
The chairman highlighted the swift completion of projects during Shehbaz’s tenure as chief minister, referring to it as “Punjab and Pakistan Speed.”
A corporation representative mentioned that the Lahore Orange Train project was also discussed.
In a meeting with China Export-Import Bank Chairman Dr. Wu Fulin, the prime minister outlined his government’s reform agenda focused on governance, taxation, and improving the ease of doing business to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). They also discussed the potential role of China EXIM Bank in financing Pakistan-China joint ventures and trade.
Reaffirming his commitment to strengthening the alternative energy sector, PM Shehbaz noted significant investment opportunities in this area.
In another meeting with the Chairman of Power China, the prime minister discussed measures to combat power theft nationwide.
The chairman praised the high quality and swift completion of the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant and informed the PM that an MoU would be signed to enhance Pakistan’s power transmission network and reduce line losses.
Later, PM Shehbaz visited Zhongguancun Science Park, China’s Silicon Valley near Beijing, where he was briefed on the tech start-up culture, innovative environment, and cutting-edge research occurring in the Science Park.
The premier also witnessed the signing of various MoUs to expand cooperation between China and Pakistan in different fields. One MoU, between Habib Rafique Limited and Beijing Global Hydrogen Industries Company Limited, focused on manufacturing solar panels and YTO trackers.
