ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has assured Chinese investors of comprehensive facilitation and stringent security measures for their projects in Pakistan. Addressing the Pakistan-China Business Forum in Shenzhen, PM Shehbaz emphasized the immense potential for bilateral trade and investment, particularly in sectors such as IT, agriculture, mining, steel, textiles, and renewable energy.
Highlighting the successful Chinese model of economic transformation, the Prime Minister expressed his commitment to replicating this model in Pakistan. “I will go back to Pakistan with this resolve. Come what may, we will follow this model of great economic transformation. This is difficult but not impossible,” he stated to an audience of business leaders from both nations.
PM Shehbaz called on Pakistani businessmen to collaborate with their Chinese counterparts to relocate Chinese textile industries to Pakistan and foster joint ventures in steel and other sectors. He noted that Pakistan’s mineral deposits, valued at approximately $10 trillion, present significant opportunities for export-oriented finished and semi-finished goods.
Reaffirming his government’s commitment to combating corruption, the Prime Minister underscored ongoing structural reforms aimed at creating a more favorable business environment.
Drawing a comparison between the economic outputs of Shenzhen and Pakistan, PM Shehbaz highlighted Shenzhen’s rapid development as a model to emulate. He also addressed past security concerns, particularly a terrorist attack on Chinese workers in Besham, and assured that stringent measures are in place to ensure their safety. “I will spare no effort to protect the lives of Chinese workers and guarantee their security,” he pledged.
During his visit, PM Shehbaz also engaged with Huawei, inviting the company to invest in Pakistan’s taxation and e-governance sectors and expand its involvement in Safe City projects. He encouraged Huawei to bring modern technology to Pakistan’s agriculture sector and extended an invitation to the Huawei chairman to visit Pakistan.
In a significant development, a framework agreement was signed between Huawei and Pakistan’s Ministry of Science and Technology, under which Huawei will provide free training to around 200,000 youngsters in IT, including artificial intelligence. Huawei will also support the establishment of Safe Cities, e-governance, and the digitization of Pakistan’s economy.
PM Shehbaz’s itinerary includes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and other senior officials, alongside attending various business events and MoU signings aimed at enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and China.
Story by Syed Irfan Raza
