Pakistan, China Prepare to Sign Agreements Worth $5 Billion

Pakistan and China are ready to sign over 100 deals.

These agreements are worth about $5 billion. This will happen during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Beijing from May 24 to 26, sources say. About 90 percent of the agreements will be between businesses. The remaining agreements will involve government and business. Preparations for the signing ceremony are complete.

The prime minister will meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.

Talks will focus on:

• Expanding economic ties
• Speeding up investment
• Reviewing regional security issues

A key committee, led by Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan, will review progress. They will also address any issues that come up. Agreements will span many sectors, with a strong emphasis on agriculture.

Planned projects cover several areas, including:

• Agri-processing
• Poultry and dairy farming
• Fruit and vegetable processing
• Fisheries
• Animal vaccines
• Cold chain logistics
• Fertilizers
• Seeds
• Farm chemicals

These deals focus on improving the agricultural value chain. They aim to increase productivity and bring in new technology.

Technology and industry cooperation will also be central. Expected deals cover information technology, fintech, e-commerce, cloud computing, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing. New agreements focus on electric vehicle parts and batteries for phones and laptops. This supports Pakistan’s goals for industrial modernization.

Analysts say the package reflects more private sector involvement. It also marks a shift away from big infrastructure projects. China is Pakistan’s biggest investor. Since 2015, CPEC investments have topped $25 billion.