Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has declared that a new era of cooperation between Pakistan and China is underway, focusing on sectors such as Information Technology, communication, mining, and energy. This announcement came during a review meeting about the implementation of various agreements and memorandums of understanding from his recent trip to China.

According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister emphasized that this enhanced cooperation would lead to substantial economic development and strengthen regional ties. He also stated his commitment to personally oversee the execution of these agreements to ensure they are carried out without disruption. During the meeting, it was also disclosed that a delegation of Chinese shoemaking companies visited Pakistan with plans to shift manufacturing units, promising an investment of up to eight billion dollars. Additionally, the Prime Minister reviewed the participation of Chinese companies in the upcoming Food and Agri Expo in Pakistan and the initiative to send 1,000 Pakistani students to China on scholarships for advanced agricultural training. These students will be selected based on merit, with a special focus on those from underrepresented areas like Balochistan.

The meeting further addressed the involvement of over 100 Chinese companies exploring business and investment opportunities with Pakistani firms and the technical training of 300,000 students by Huawei. Progress on infrastructure projects in Gwadar, including the development of the Gwadar Seaport, Gwadar Airport, and the Gwadar Industrial Zone, was also reviewed. The Prime Minister directed to expedite these projects and negotiations with Chinese solar panel manufacturers to relocate their production to Pakistan.