President Asif Ali Zardari on Thursday held a high-level meeting with Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
During the meeting, several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance cooperation between the two countries across various sectors.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah were also along with the president during the huddle.
During the discussions, President Zardari stressed the strategic importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), reiterating that the project is crucial for regional connectivity and economic development.
He also expressed gratitude to China for its unwavering support in Pakistan’s development agenda.
Both leaders underscored the need to promote greater engagement between the private sectors and business communities of both nations, to enhance economic cooperation.
President Zardari commended China's ongoing partnership and stressed the importance of deepening ties for the prosperity of both countries.
A highlight of the meeting was the signing of multiple MoUs, which marked a new phase in the collaboration between Pakistan and China. The MoUs, signed in a ceremony attended by the aforementioned dignitaries, include a key agreement between Pakistan’s Thatta Cement Company and China’s Qinggang Construction Group.
The agreement is set to establish a production line that will significantly boost Pakistan’s cement production capacity by 5,000 tons per day.
Additionally, an MoU between Sindh’s Energy Department and China’s Mingyang Renewable Energy Company was signed, paving the way for cooperation in various renewable energy projects in Pakistan.
The partnership will focus on leveraging China's expertise to accelerate the development of sustainable energy solutions.
Another notable agreement was the MoU for a coal gasification and urea production plant between Sindh and the Chinese company, which promises to enhance Pakistan’s energy and agricultural output.
The signing of these agreements further cements the growing strategic partnership between Pakistan and China, with both countries committed to continued collaboration in a variety of sectors crucial for their mutual development and prosperity.
Zardari calls on Chinese President Xi
Earlier, President Asif Ali Zardari reached the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Wednesday, where he was warmly welcomed by Chinese President Xi Jinping.
A contingent of the Chinese People's Liberation Army presented a guard of honour to President Zardari, while the national anthems of both Pakistan and China were played. Following the formalities, the presidents of both nations introduced their respective delegations.
In a display of cultural warmth, Chinese children greeted President Zardari with a grand welcome, adding a festive touch to the occasion.
