President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday witnessed the signing of three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) in Shanghai, met top Chinese political and business leaders, and held discussions aimed at advancing cooperation in agriculture, environment, transport and industrial development.
The president, accompanied by First Lady Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, oversaw the agreements as part of Pakistan's efforts to deepen ties with China in multiple sectors.
The first MoU pertained to the establishment of a Controlled Agriculture Science and Education Park to improve production efficiency and strengthen food security. It was signed between Shanghai Huawei Agritech Group and Meskay & Femtee Trading Company, represented by Shahid Tawawalla.
A second tripartite MoU was signed for the construction of Shennong College, a vocational institute in Pakistan that will train farmers in advanced integrated technology. Signatories included Longping High-Tech Information Technology (Beijing) Company Limited, Beijing Jialong Technology Company Limited, and ASM Services represented by Shahid Tawawalla.
The third MoU focused on a Tyre Recycling Project to promote sustainable waste management practices. It was signed by Maritime Silk Road Holdings (Qingdao) Company Limited and ASM Services.
On the occasion, President Zardari said the MoUs represented practical steps towards strengthened cooperation in agriculture, technology and environmental management. Pakistan's Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, China's Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong, and Sindh Ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah were present.
Later, President Zardari met Yin Tongyue, Chairman of Chery Holding and Chery Automobile, and assured policy support for new energy vehicles, electric buses and local component production.
He encouraged Chery to explore joint ventures in electric buses, mini trucks, green energy and charging infrastructure, while also highlighting opportunities in manufacturing, minerals and energy storage.
Yin briefed the Pakistan delegation on Chery's global operations and commitment to innovation. The president welcomed Chery's interest in Pakistan, noting localisation and employment benefits.
In another engagement, President Zardari met Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shanghai, Chen Jining. Chen welcomed the president warmly, describing Pakistan as China's "all-weather friend and iron brother." He referred to recent high-level meetings and the upcoming 75th anniversary of the bilateral diplomatic relations.
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