President Zardari, Chinese Premier Li Qiang discuss CPEC 2.0

Pakistan and China sign memorandums of understanding in key sectors.

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President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday held a meeting with China’s Premier Li Qiang in Beijing to discuss the enduring and deep-rooted "All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership" between the two countries.

The meeting, held at the Great Hall of the People, reinforced the commitment of both leaders to strengthen bilateral ties, Express News reported.

In a joint statement, both leaders acknowledged the historical friendship between Pakistan and China, which has been consistently fortified through successive generations.

President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to further enhance the relationship, with a focus on regional connectivity and economic growth.

“The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has played a pivotal role in fostering regional ties and promoting economic development,” said President Zardari, underlining the strategic importance of the initiative for both nations.

The leaders also discussed the expansion of cooperation under CPEC 2.0, particularly in areas like renewable energy, science and technology, infrastructure, and agriculture.

“China’s continued support for Pakistan’s developmental agenda is crucial, and we are committed to deepening our collaboration in these key sectors,” President Zardari stated.

Both sides also addressed the potential for increased trade and economic cooperation through business-to-business and private sector engagements. They agreed to foster greater people-to-people and cultural exchanges to further solidify the bilateral relationship.

As part of the ongoing collaboration, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed between Pakistan and China during the visit.

The MoUs include agreements between Pakistan’s Thatta Cement Company and China’s Ching Gang Construction Group, aimed at increasing cement production in Pakistan by an additional 5,000 tonnes per day.

An MoU was also signed between the Sindh Energy Department and China’s Meng Yang Renewable Energy Company to explore joint renewable energy projects in Pakistan.

Furthermore, a coal gasification and urea production plant project between the Government of Sindh and a Chinese company was also formalised.

The signing ceremony was attended by key Pakistani officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, as well as Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.