PM Shehbaz lauds China’s role in IMF deal and expressed gratitude over its support in securing the next bailout.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday lauded China as an essential and deeply trusted ally, acknowledging its pivotal role in Pakistan’s recent agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). He referred to China as the country’s most genuine friend.
During an event launching a government initiative to send 1,000 agricultural graduates to China for skill development, the prime minister said the successful negotiation of the $7 billion IMF bailout in September 2024 would not have been possible without Beijing’s support.
PM Sharif also highlighted China’s significant contribution through investments and infrastructure development, especially under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which he described as vital to Pakistan’s economic stability.
He reaffirmed the government’s pledge to revamp the agriculture sector, considering it central to the country’s long-term economic sustainability. Strengthening agriculture, he said, was crucial for food security, export growth, and improving rural livelihoods.
Sharif further emphasized the importance of modernizing Pakistan’s agricultural institutions by adopting sustainable practices, advancing digital farming, and developing climate-resilient crop varieties—key steps given the country’s current lag in regional agricultural progress.
As part of the initiative, the training will be conducted in phases: 300 graduates will depart for a three-month program in the first phase, 400 for six months in the second, and the remaining 300 will complete their training in the final phase.
Congratulating the first group of trainees, the prime minister expressed hope that their exposure to modern agricultural techniques in China would bring positive transformation to Pakistan’s farming sector upon their return.
Sharing personal reflections, PM Sharif recalled how his own visit to China left a lasting impression, particularly in agricultural innovation, motivating him to provide similar learning opportunities to Pakistani youth.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong praised Pakistan’s progress over the past year, particularly in terms of macroeconomic improvements. He assured continued Chinese cooperation in expanding bilateral ties, with a strong focus on agriculture.
Ambassador Jiang reaffirmed President Xi Jinping’s emphasis on close ties with Pakistan, noting that China had already invested approximately $35.4 billion in CPEC, highlighting the depth and strength of the strategic partnership.
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