ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to usher in a new era of cooperation between Pakistan and China in the information technology, communications, mining and energy sectors, heralding economic development and deepening of long-standing bilateral ties.
According to Pakistani media reports, Foreign Minister Sharif made these remarks on Saturday in Islamabad while chairing a review meeting focused on the implementation of agreements and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) reached during his recent visit to China.
Radio Pakistan reported that Sharif stressed that enhanced cooperation between Pakistan and China in these areas will boost economic development, strengthen regional ties and deepen ties between the two countries. Sharif noted that China has consistently supported Pakistan in difficult times.
“China has emerged as the strongest economic power and Pakistan can emulate its development,” Sharif said. He stressed that no obstruction would be allowed in the implementation of the agreements and memorandums of understanding signed during his visit to China.
During the meeting, Sharif was briefed on the recent visit to Pakistan by a delegation of Chinese shoe manufacturers looking to relocate their manufacturing base to the cash-strapped country. Reports said Chinese companies could invest $5-8 billion in the sector.
Additionally, over 100 Chinese companies are in contact with Pakistani companies to explore business and investment opportunities.
Pakistani media also reported that Pakistan paid $2.58 million in compensation to the families of five Chinese nationals and a Pakistani driver killed in a suicide bomb attack in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province in March.
