Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Friday that protecting Chinese nationals in Pakistan remains the government’s highest priority. His remarks came as Pakistani and Chinese companies signed investment agreements worth about $440 million in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors.
The agreements were signed during the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Business-to-Business Investment Conference in Islamabad. Around 300 Chinese delegates attended the event, making it one of the largest sector-focused business conferences under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
PM Reaffirms Security Commitment
Addressing the conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Chinese investors of Pakistan’s full support.
“The security of our Chinese brothers and sisters in Pakistan is paramount,” he said.
He added that the government would continue strengthening security around Chinese personnel, businesses, and development projects.
$440 Million Investment in Healthcare
The conference produced agreements worth about $440 million. These investments cover pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare services, and medical technology.
Moreover, the projects will help Pakistan manufacture life-saving medicines and vaccines. They are also expected to increase exports to regional markets.
CPEC 2.0 Enters New Phase
The prime minister described the agreements as another milestone for CPEC 2.0.
Unlike the first phase, the new stage focuses on private-sector partnerships and industrial investment. It also promotes cooperation in agriculture, information technology, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Furthermore, Shehbaz Sharif said the government would ensure the agreements move quickly from signing to implementation.
Pakistan-China Economic Cooperation Expands
The prime minister noted that China invested more than $30 billion during the first phase of CPEC.
He described China as one of Pakistan’s closest and most reliable partners. He also said economic cooperation continues to expand across multiple sectors.
As a result, both countries are creating new opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and industrial growth.
Regional Cooperation Remains Strong
Prime Minister Shehbaz also praised China’s support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts.
He said Beijing backed Pakistan’s mediation between the United States and Iran, which contributed to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.
In addition, he thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi for supporting stronger bilateral relations.
Investment Momentum Continues
The latest agreements build on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China in May.
During that visit, Pakistani and Chinese companies signed 207 memorandums of understanding worth $7.54 billion. The agreements covered battery storage, artificial intelligence, agriculture, fisheries, vaccine manufacturing, and advanced technology.
Consequently, the new healthcare investments further strengthen Pakistan-China economic cooperation under CPEC 2.0.
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