Sanya, China: President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed Pakistan’s interest in expanding cooperation with China’s Hainan province, focusing on areas such as tropical agriculture, port development, seed technology, and fisheries. In discussions with Hainan Party Secretary Feng Fei, President Zardari emphasized the importance of greater engagement between Hainan’s enterprises and Pakistan’s industrial and export sectors to boost bilateral trade.

According to Radio Pakistan, President Zardari highlighted the significance of people-to-people contacts, citing the participation of Pakistani athletes in the Sixth Asian Beach Games in Sanya as a positive step. He also appreciated the hospitality extended by Hainan’s government, noting the province’s role as a gateway for international trade and investment. President Zardari reiterated that friendship with China remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, with widespread support from the public and institutions. He noted the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2026.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on regional and international developments and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, stability, dialogue, and cooperation. Secretary Feng Fei highlighted Hainan’s development as a Free Trade Port and its growing role in global trade and investment, noting that trade between Pakistan and Hainan has nearly doubled. He also mentioned that over 500 Pakistani students are studying in various universities across Hainan.