Pakistan will offer free visas to Chinese citizens starting August 14, underscoring Islamabad’s strong commitment to its relationship with Beijing.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced during a meeting with a high-level Chinese delegation of 12 members led by Minister Wang Fukang.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif recounted his recent request to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang to send experts to Pakistan. “The goal is to model Pakistan’s economy after China’s,” he stated, expressing confidence in imminent progress as the experts had arrived.
The Prime Minister warmly welcomed the delegation, highlighting China and Pakistan’s deep, enduring friendship. He stressed the importance of industrial cooperation and expressed hope for transferring such collaborations to Pakistan to enhance bilateral ties in industry, agriculture, and economic zones. He noted that This cooperation would boost Pakistan’s capacity to produce and export agricultural products in high demand in China.
Sharif also envisioned that joint ventures and cooperation would benefit both nations. He found the delegation’s visit reassuring and productive, potentially strengthening bilateral arrangements. “Joint ventures and cooperation create a win-win situation,” he remarked.
Looking to expand economic interactions, he mentioned that Pakistan could fulfil Chinese needs by exporting high-quality goods and exploring opportunities in mining, minerals, IT, and export zones.
Reflecting on the broader relationship, Sharif described Sino-Pak ties as “higher than the Himalayas and deeper than the oceans.” Despite pressure from some Western countries to reconsider its ties with China, Pakistan views its relationship with China as vital to its national interests.
