Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Saturday the beginning of a new era of cooperation with China, focusing on diverse sectors including information technology, communication, minerals and mining, and energy.

In a high-level meeting to review the implementation of agreements and MOUs signed during his recent visit to China, the prime minister emphasized that he would personally oversee the process to ensure there were no disruptions.

He highlighted the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China, noting China's unwavering support during challenging times.

“China has emerged as the strongest economic power, and Pakistan can learn much from its development,” the prime minister remarked. He mentioned that a delegation of Chinese shoe manufacturing companies had recently visited Pakistan, exploring the relocation of their plants. These companies are poised to invest between $5 to $8 billion in Pakistan, according to the PM Office Media Wing.

Local shoe manufacturers are in continuous contact with their Chinese counterparts. Additionally, the prime minister revealed that around 12 prominent Chinese companies from the agricultural sector would actively participate in the upcoming Food and Agri Expo in Pakistan.

The meeting saw the presence of key figures including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, federal ministers Jam Kamal Khan, Attaullah Tarar, Abdul Aleem Khan, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Dr Musadik Malik, Rana Tanvir Hussain, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahsan Iqbal, Minister of State Shaza Fatima Khawaja, PM’s Special Assistant Tariq Fatemi, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission Jahanzaib Khan, and other relevant authorities.

Prime Minister Sharif also reviewed the progress on a scholarship initiative that aims to send 1,000 Pakistani students to China for advanced training in agriculture.
He directed that students from the underdeveloped areas of Balochistan be given priority, along with other students from the four provinces, Gilgit Baltistan, and Azad Kashmir, based on merit. The students are expected to commence their studies in the upcoming educational semester.

The meeting was informed that over 100 Chinese companies are now in contact with Pakistani counterparts for business and investment opportunities, following the recent agreements. The Ministry of IT reported progress on several initiatives including technical training, one-stop business facilitation, smart governance, and smart city projects by Huawei, targeting 300,000 students.

Prime Minister Sharif instructed WAPDA authorities to establish secure centers to ensure the safety of Chinese nationals working on the Dasu and Diamer Bhasha dams. He called for the immediate implementation of all directives.

Further, the prime minister reviewed ongoing projects related to communication infrastructure, power, and the development of Gwadar.

He urged for expedited efforts on the Gwadar port, airport, and industrial zone, aiming to transform Gwadar into a regional corridor hub. Additionally, he emphasized the need to accelerate negotiations with Chinese manufacturers for the relocation of solar panel and accessories units to Pakistan.