PM Shehbaz Sharif embarks on a five-day official visit to China

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has departed for a five-day visit to China, accompanied by a high-level delegation, at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. This marks Prime Minister’s first visit since assuming office in March 2024.

The visit will include some high-level meetings with the President and hold delegation level talks with Li Qiang, meet with Chairmen of Standing Committee of the National’s People Conference, Zhao Leji, and heads of key government departments. The delegation includes Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Ministers, the Foreign Secretary, the Chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), and other senior officials.

5-day visit aims to enhance bilateral trade, attract investments and strengthen business-to-business relations. Discussions will focus on China-Pak Economic Corridor (CPEC) which is a strong connection between the two countries, how to upgrade it to the next level, science, technology, defense, energy, and enhancing cooperation.

Also, during the visit different agreements and memorandums of understanding are expected to be signed. PM Shehbaz will also meet with different Chinese companies regarding the development of projects in Punjab, where his daughter Maryam Nawaz is the Chief Minister.

Prime Minister, in Shenzhen, will also address the China-Pak Business Forum with leading business persons, entrepreneurs, and investors from both countries.

China’s Spokesperson, Mao Ning said that the visit would boost strategic partnership and build a closer community of density in the new era. She further added, that this close friendship between the two countries have been tested by the winds and clouds of the times, and is as solid as a rock and as stable as Mount Taishan.