Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif landed in Shenzhen, China, on Tuesday, marking the first leg of his official visit. Islamabad aims to advance bilateral trade and economic ties with Beijing and attract Chinese investors through business-to-business (B2B) projects.
Upon arrival, the Vice Mayor of Shenzhen, Luo Huanghao, welcomed PM Shehbaz.
The visit follows an invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. In addition to Beijing, the prime minister will visit Xi’an and Shenzhen.
During his two-day stay in Shenzhen, the prime minister and his delegation will meet the leadership of Guangdong province, the Shenzhen Municipal Government, and leading Chinese companies in innovation and high-tech sectors.
PM Shehbaz will meet President Xi Jinping and conduct delegation-level talks with Premier Li Qiang in Beijing. This visit comes over a month after Pakistan arrested four terrorists involved in a deadly explosion targeting a car carrying five Chinese citizens on March 26.
Discussions will also cover Gwadar port’s commercialisation and the expansion of the Silk Route by sea and road. PM Shehbaz emphasized the strong bonds between Pakistan and China, noting Beijing’s unconditional support for Pakistan in difficult times.
Details of the Visit
During his visit, PM Shehbaz will also meet with Zhao Leji, the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, and the heads of key government departments. He will also engage with corporate executives of leading Chinese companies in oil and gas, energy, ICT, and emerging technologies.
In Shenzhen, he will address the China-Pakistan Business Forum, visit Economic and Agricultural Zones, and undertake discussions to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and advance trade and investment. Talks will enhance cooperation in security, defense, energy, space, science and technology, and education.
Various memorandums of understanding (MoUs) and agreements will likely be signed during the visit. The repayment tenor of Chinese Independent Power Producers (IPPs) is also expected to be extended for five years to reduce electricity costs.
Pakistan hopes to initiate the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and agree to convene a joint financing committee meeting to construct Mainline-1 (ML-1). The estimated cost of ML-1 is $6.7 billion, with execution planned in phases.
Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal stated that ML-1 is a top priority, and substantial progress is expected during the visit.
