HANGZHOU: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has invited Chinese companies to expand investment and industrial cooperation with Pakistan in key sectors including agriculture, information technology, artificial intelligence, and minerals.
Addressing the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference in Hangzhou, the Prime Minister said China imports agricultural products worth nearly 100 billion dollars annually, while Pakistan’s share remains very limited. He said Pakistan can significantly boost its agricultural exports by improving production standards and quality with Chinese support and expertise. He expressed hope that Pakistan’s agricultural exports to China could increase by around 10 billion dollars over the next five to seven years.
Shehbaz Sharif also highlighted the government’s plan to establish a 6,000-acre Special Economic Zone in Karachi equipped with modern infrastructure, a business-friendly environment, and a one-window operation system. He invited Chinese investors to take advantage of long-term land lease opportunities on attractive terms.
Referring to rising labor costs in China, the Prime Minister encouraged Chinese companies to relocate industries and manufacturing plants to Pakistan through joint ventures with local entrepreneurs. He said products manufactured in Pakistan could then be exported to international markets, creating mutual economic benefits for both countries.
He further invited Chinese businesses to invest in Pakistan’s mines and minerals sector, noting that the country possesses vast reserves of minerals and precious gemstones.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Pakistan is looking for investment, expertise, and technology transfer rather than loans and financial aid.
During his address, Shehbaz Sharif praised Chinese President Xi Jinping, calling him a visionary leader who transformed China into a major global economic and military power. He added that Pakistan takes pride in China’s remarkable achievements as a close and trusted friend.
