— PM lands in China’s IT hub Shenzhen, reflecting Chinese future investments in AI
— Prime Minister to also inaugurate the Pakistan-China Business Conference
SHENZHEN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday landed in Chinese city of Shenzhen on a five-day official visit, scheduled from June 4 to June 8, with investment to be high on the agenda.
Shenzhen is the hub of China’s innovation, technology and research led companies and enterprises. The visit to Shenzhen aims to bolster economic cooperation in export-oriented innovation-led advanced technologies, high-tech development and Information and Communication Technologies.
“PM Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Shenzhen, China on an official visit,” a statement from Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said. “Upon arrival he was welcomed by Vice Mayor of Shenzhen city of China Mr Luo Huanghao.”
Ths visit comes at the invitation of Li Qiang, China’s Premier, who is hosting Sharif for the first time since the latter’s assumption of office earlier this year.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and other senior Ministers of the Cabinet are accompanying the Prime Minister in his first official visit to China since assuming office. Shenzhen is the first stop during the Prime Minister’s official visit to China.
During his two-day stay in Shenzhen, the Prime Minister and his delegation will meet the leadership of the Guangdong Province and Shenzhen Municipal Government as well as leading Chinese companies in innovation and high-tech sectors.
The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Pakistan-China Business Conference in line with his vision to support, promote and lead collaboration between the businessmen of the two countries.
A business delegation of leading Pakistani businesspersons will attend the Conference for collaboration with the influential Chinese counterparts.
Additionally, Sharif will address the Business-to-Business Forum. This forum will serve as a platform for dialogue between representatives of 79 Pakistani businesses and their Chinese counterparts, focusing on reinforcing the strategic cooperative partnership that has flourished over the years through initiatives like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
This visit underscores the ongoing commitment to deepening ties, with both nations poised to launch the next phase of the CPEC. This includes pivotal projects such as the upgrade of the Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway, further development of Gwadar Port, and improvements to the Karakoram Highway.
Since the inception of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), substantial achievements have been recorded under CPEC, with investments totaling $25.4 billion. These projects have not only generated 236,000 jobs but have also developed significant infrastructure including highways, power generation facilities, and a core transmission network which collectively bolster Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape.
Furthermore, the Chinese diplomatic representative emphasised the transformative impact of these initiatives, noting the completion and operational success of numerous projects that contribute significantly to the regional development.
Looking ahead, Sharif’s visit is set to enhance collaboration across various sectors including industry, agriculture, mining, energy, and information technology, while also promoting trade liberalisation.
In preparation for this visit, Prime Minister Sharif conducted a strategic meeting last week, focusing on optimising the outcomes of the upcoming business engagements with China. He directed officials to devise strategies to attract Chinese industries to Pakistan, promising full governmental support and facilitation.
Additionally, he has called upon Pakistan’s ambassador to China to ensure comprehensive support for the Pakistani delegates during their interactions in China.
