China, Pakistan set to boost trade, agriculture

The Chinese envoy highlighted the significant strides in China-Pakistan relations, especially in light of the recent high-level visits between the two countries. President Asif Ali Zardari's state visit to China earlier this month, following Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's visit in June of last year and Premier Li Qiang's visit to Pakistan in October, have underscored the deepening ties between the two nations.

According to Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, these exchanges reflect the "ironclad friendship" and the enduring nature of the China-Pakistan "All-weather Strategic Cooperation." President Xi Jinping's talks with President Zardari and PM Shehbaz have been particularly pivotal, establishing a roadmap to advance bilateral cooperation amidst evolving global dynamics.

A major milestone for this year is the 10th anniversary of President Xi's landmark visit to Pakistan in 2015. With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan on the horizon next year, Ambassador Jiang emphasised the importance of these anniversaries in ushering the countries into a new phase of collaboration.

Over the past decade, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has become a cornerstone of bilateral ties, bringing about transformative changes in Pakistan's infrastructure and development, Jiang Zaidong said.

He highlighted several key areas of collaboration, including infrastructure, agriculture and economic zones, which will be prioritised in the coming year. Projects like the Karakoram Highway Phase II and the Main Line-1 railway, as well as the development of Gwadar Port, are set to take center stage, said the Chinese envoy.

Ambassador Jiang highlighted that agricultural trade between China and Pakistan exceeded $1 billion in 2024, with Pakistan enjoying a notable surplus. The introduction of high-value buffalo dairy products from Pakistan to China further exemplifies the growing agricultural ties.