Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that Pakistan and China will uphold common values as they move forward together towards mutual development, prosperity, and advancement.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extended congratulations to Shehbaz on his appointment as Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on March 3. In response, Shehbaz expressed gratitude to Xi for his warm wishes and continued support for Pakistan.
“I deeply appreciate his sentiments, not only on behalf of the people of Pakistan but also for our enduring friendship and mutual cooperation,” Shehbaz remarked during an interview with Xinhua at the Prime Minister’s Office in Islamabad. “For me, this marks a promising beginning.”
This year commemorates the 73rd anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Pakistan. Shehbaz highlighted that over the past seven decades, the leaders of both nations have consistently nurtured and advanced bilateral friendship. They have evolved into all-weather strategic cooperative partners with a unique bond akin to “iron brothers” that has endured the test of time.
“This friendship must now ascend to greater heights,” he emphasized.
Having served three terms as Chief Minister of Punjab province, Shehbaz brings extensive experience in regional economic development and governance. Regarding China’s modernization, Shehbaz advocated for Pakistan to emulate its model.
“It stands as a remarkable success story and model,” the Prime Minister stated, recalling how successive visionary Chinese leaders have guided their populace to achieve unprecedented development feats, lifting millions out of poverty and providing widespread access to education, healthcare, and employment, especially in rural areas.
Shehbaz noted that Chinese modernization has established growth hubs and competitive sectors on the global stage. “Despite recent challenges, China’s steady growth remains exceptional compared to other nations,” he added.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan could draw lessons from this model to alleviate poverty, enhance youth employment, and foster small and medium-sized enterprises in agriculture, industry, and information technology sectors across urban and rural areas.
Highlighting Pakistan’s participation in the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Shehbaz affirmed full support for initiatives promoting global security and development, believing they would bolster bonds among global communities.
Reflecting on the Belt and Road Initiative’s projects spanning continents, Shehbaz praised their contributions to poverty alleviation, hunger reduction, investment facilitation, and education and healthcare promotion.
“There could not be a better blueprint for fostering global unity,” he remarked.
The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, featured prominently in Shehbaz’s maiden parliamentary address post-re-election.
Pakistan is poised to enter the second phase of CPEC, aiming to drive technological advancement and agricultural development through the corridor.
Shehbaz disclosed the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council to streamline bureaucracy and enhance efficiency for CPEC projects.
Additionally, plans are underway to establish industrial parks and export zones, with expectations of Chinese collaboration in sectors such as textiles and steel, amalgamating Chinese technologies with Pakistan’s labor resources.
“Through these collaborations, we anticipate generating employment, wealth, and enhanced production and exports of high-quality goods in agriculture, industry, IT, and more,” he elaborated.
Shehbaz expressed deep appreciation for China’s pivotal role in promoting Pakistan’s economic progress, particularly through CPEC.
Pakistan aims to electrify its transport system to reduce fuel import costs and allocate funds to development initiatives. The country also seeks to acquire clean energy technologies from China and other sources.
Looking ahead, Shehbaz eagerly anticipated revisiting China, citing it as a tradition for Pakistan’s new leadership post-inauguration. “China is like a second home to us,” he affirmed.
“We have made solemn commitments to work together,” Shehbaz reiterated, “and we stand united through thick and thin.”
