ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif lauded the Chinese development model on Thursday, asserting that Pakistan could become a great nation by emulating this model through diligent effort and a strong focus on industrial and agricultural growth.
“All Pakistanis will also have to pass through this thorny process. There is no other way to earn respect in the world,” the prime minister declared at the 4th Pakistan-China Friendship and Business Reception in Beijing.
Earlier, PM Shehbaz met with Ambassador Luo Zhaohui, Chairman of the China International Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), discussing the enhancement of cooperation based on common development, strategic trust, and mutual benefit. The prime minister expressed gratitude for CIDCA’s support for the CPEC projects, including the establishment of the Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital, the Desalination Plant in Gwadar, and the New Gwadar International Airport. Both parties expressed confidence in continuing the momentum into the second phase of CPEC.
Seeks Investment for Communications Infrastructure Projects; Swift Completion of Sahiwal Coal Power Plant Praised
During a meeting with the chairman of the China Northern Industry Corporation, PM Shehbaz invited the company to invest in Pakistan’s communications infrastructure projects, particularly the Karachi Circular Railway. The chairman praised the swift completion of development projects during Mr. Sharif’s tenure as chief minister, referring to it as “Punjab and Pakistan Speed.” The Lahore Orange Train project was also discussed.
In a discussion with Dr. Wu Fulin, Chairman of the China Export-Import Bank, the prime minister highlighted his government’s reform agenda, focusing on governance, taxation, and the ease of doing business to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). They explored the potential role of the China EXIM bank in financing Pakistan-China joint venture projects and trade financing.
Reaffirming his commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s alternative energy sector, PM Shehbaz emphasized the significant investment potential in this area. During a separate meeting with the Chairman of Power China, he highlighted his administration’s efforts to curb power theft nationwide. The chairman lauded the high-quality and rapid completion of the Sahiwal Coal Power Plant and mentioned that an MoU would be signed with Pakistan to improve the power transmission network and reduce line losses.
Later, PM Shehbaz visited Zhongguancun Science Park, China’s Silicon Valley, near Beijing, where he was briefed on the innovative environment and cutting-edge research at the Science Park. He witnessed the signing of various MoUs aimed at expanding cooperation in different fields between China and Pakistan. Notably, an MoU regarding the manufacturing of solar panels and YTO trackers was signed between Habib Rafique Limited and Beijing Global Hydrogen Industries Company Limited.
Story by Syed Irfan Raza
