Islamabad, 29 July 2022 (TDI): Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif received Nong Rong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Pakistan.
Both officials met at the Prime Minister’s House, Islamabad.
The Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the upward trajectory of high-level exchanges between Pakistan and China.
He recalled his comprehensive and wide-ranging discussions with Premier Li Keqiang in a telephone call on 16 May 2022. During that call, both officials developed a consensus to deepen further and strengthen Pakistan-China Strategic Cooperative Partnership.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif underscored that Pakistan and China are good friends, staunch partners, and Iron Brothers. The two nations have always stood by each other through challenging times and extended support on key issues of core interest.
He further appreciated China’s support for Pakistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and development. He also commended Chinese support in dealing with the emerging economic challenges and volatility in global supply chains and commodities.
Remarks on Pak-China ongoing projects
Prime Minister underlined the Pakistani Government’s commitment to unlocking the full economic and connectivity potential of CPEC. It will be done through expedited and high-quality development of CPEC projects.
He further emphasized the importance of key projects like ML-1 and KCR in Pakistan’s development plans.
He also expressed his desire to move towards finalizing these projects in the upcoming 11th meeting of the CPEC Joint Cooperation Committee.
Moreover, Shehbaz Sharif mentioned Pakistan’s focus on the early development of CPEC Special Economic Zones. He welcomed increased investments in Chinese enterprises, especially in industrial development.
Bilateral trade between the two states increased volumes in 2021, and Pakistan recorded exports of US $3.6 billion.
Prime Minister emphasized that enhanced market access for Pakistani exports to China would help realize the full potential of the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was accompanied by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, and Minister of State Hina Rabbani Khar.
In addition, Special Assitant to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs Tariq Fatemi, Zafarullah Mahmood, and Jehanzab Khan joined the meeting.
