Islamabad (TDI): Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday highlighted bilateral engagement with China, saying that the recent program with International Monetary Fund (IMF) “was not possible” without Beijing’s support.
Pakistan has held strong bilateral ties with China which has supported it through multiple investments and development projects such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), considered as the “lifeline” for the country’s economy.
In March, China extended the repayment period of a $2 billion loan to Pakistan by one year, offering much-required financial relief and helping stabilise the country’s foreign exchange reserves.
The government is working to strengthen its finances after securing a $7 billion IMF bailout in September last year.
Pakistan reached a staff-level agreement with IMF in March after a successful review of first installment of the loan.
PM Shehbaz called China as Pakistan’s “most sincere friend” at a ceremony in Islamabad regarding the government’s initiative for the capacity building of one thousand graduates in the field of agriculture by sending them to China.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transforming the country’s agricultural sector, calling it vital for achieving sustainable economic development.
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He said that that strengthening the agricultural backbone of Pakistan would help ensure food security, increase exports, and improve livelihoods for millions of farmers.
The premier underlined the urgent need to revive and modernize Pakistan’s agricultural research institutions.
“We need to prioritize sustainable farming practices, digital crop management, and the creation of climate-resilient seeds,” he said.
Under the government’s initiative, three hundred selected graduates in the field of agriculture were being sent to China for a three-month training program during the first phase.
In the second phase, four hundred graduates will undergo a six-month training program, followed by the remaining three hundred graduates who will participate in a three-month training program in the final phase.
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The prime minister congratulated the young graduates, who will fly to China for training in agriculture techniques and equip themselves with knowledge.
He hoped that upon their return back to the country, they will contribute towards agricultural economy.
