Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Luo Zhaohui, the chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). The discussions centred on the further promotion of Pak-China friendship, with both leaders emphasizing the importance of strategic trust and practical cooperation.
Shehbaz lauded Chairman Zhaohui's tenure as ambassador to Pakistan, recognizing his efforts in strengthening bilateral ties.
"You performed your duties as ambassador to Pakistan very well," said PM Sharif. "You were also Pakistan's best friend in Pakistan, and that sentiment still remains."
A key point of discussion was the security of Chinese residents in Pakistan, which the PM assured was a top priority for his government. He expressed Pakistan's desire to benefit from China's development model and emphasized the need to increase cooperation in agriculture, IT, the blue economy, communication, minerals, and mining.
چائینہ انٹرنیشنل ڈویلپمنٹ کوآپریشن ایجنسی (سی آئی ڈی سی اے) کے چیئرمین جناب لو ژاؤہوئی کی وزیرِاعظم سے ملاقات
— PMLN (@pmln_org) June 6, 2024
وزیرِاعظم اور چیئرمین سی آئی ڈی سی اے نے چین پاکستان کی منفرد اور پائیدار دوستی اور مشترکہ ترقی، اسٹریٹجک اعتماد اور باہمی فائدے سے چلنے والے عملی تعاون کے مزید فروغ پر… pic.twitter.com/8woMuTI1pK
"China-Pakistan friendship has now reached beyond borders into space," remarked Chairman Zhaohui, underscoring the depth of the bilateral relationship.
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Prime Minister Sharif also sought Chinese investment in critical infrastructure projects, particularly the upgrade of railway Main Line-1. The CIDCA also expressed interest in investing in Pakistan's Special Economic Zones and the health sector, signaling a robust future for economic collaboration.
Meeting with China's Exim Bank
In another significant meeting, the prime minister engaged with the chairman of the China Export-Import Bank. Discussions focused on improving governance, expanding the tax net, and enhancing the ease of doing business in Pakistan. Prime Minister Sharif acknowledged the vital role of Exim Bank in Pakistan's economic development.
"The upgrade project of ML-1 is ready for investment," he stated, emphasizing the project's importance for Pakistan's infrastructure.
Beijing: President of China Exim Bank, Dr. Wu Fulin calls on the Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.
— PMLN (@pmln_org) June 6, 2024
🇵🇰🤝🏻🇨🇳#PMShehbazInChina pic.twitter.com/WO525W6GYG
The PM also sought Chinese investment for the rehabilitation of the Karachi Circular Railway and highlighted Pakistan's interest in benefiting from Chinese expertise to increase agricultural capacity. The Exim Bank chairman praised Shehbaz Sharif's efficiency, noting his achievements during his tenure in Punjab.
"You worked with Punjab Speed and showed excellent performance; now Pakistan Speed is starting to show," he commented. "Every project of Pakistan is our priority."
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