LAHORE- Chinese Consul General in Lahore Sun Yan has reaffirmed China’s commitment to deepening relations with Pakistan, particularly with Punjab, highlighting economic cooperation, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and people-to-people exchanges at a reception marking China’s 77th National Day.
The reception was attended by Punjab Provincial Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan and other distinguished guests.
Addressing the gathering, the consul general said China and Pakistan had maintained close relations despite global challenges, describing the relationship as an “unbreakable traditional friendship” built over 75 years of diplomatic ties.
“China-Pakistan relations have always operated at a high level and grown stronger over time,” he said.
China-Pakistan Economic Cooperation
Speaking about developments in Punjab, Sun Yan said the province had maintained a “sound momentum of economic growth” alongside improvements in people’s livelihoods.
He pointed to several China-backed projects and areas of cooperation, including the Sahiwal Power Plant, which he said provides stable electricity, and the Orange Line Metro, which continues to facilitate public transport in Lahore.
Agricultural cooperation was also highlighted, with Chinese agricultural machinery, seed technology and drip irrigation equipment being introduced into Pakistani farmlands, according to the consul general.
He also referred to cooperation between Chinese partners and Lahore’s business community in industrial parks, textiles and engineering machinery.
CPEC Moves Towards Version 2.0
The consul general said CPEC was advancing towards its upgraded “Version 2.0”, with agriculture, industry and mining among the areas being prioritized by the two countries.
He said China and Pakistan were working to build five cooperation corridors focused on “Growth, Livelihoods, Innovation, Green, Openness.”
Sun Yan said the next phase of CPEC should extend its benefits “from mega-projects to small and medium-sized enterprises” and ordinary people.
The remarks put greater emphasis on agriculture, industrial cooperation and the participation of smaller businesses in the next phase of the corridor.
New Areas of Cooperation With Punjab
Sun Yan said China was ready to work with Pakistan to implement the “Action Plan for Building an Even Closer China-Pakistan Community with a Shared Future in the New Era.”
He outlined three priorities: strengthening friendship across generations, opening a new chapter in CPEC development and jointly addressing global challenges.
He said exchanges between Punjab and China would also be expanded across political parties, legislative bodies, media organizations, youth groups and think tanks.
China, he added, would seek to align its 15th Five-Year Plan with Pakistan’s “Uraan Pakistan” initiative and Punjab’s PIVOT initiative.
The two sides would also accelerate cooperation in agriculture, textiles, new energy, the digital economy and industrial parks, according to the consul general.
Focus on Wider People-to-People Ties
The address placed economic cooperation alongside wider institutional and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and China.
Sun Yan said both countries would continue strengthening their friendship while expanding cooperation across political, legislative, media, youth and think-tank channels.
“We will continue to firmly support each other in safeguarding our respective core interests,” he said.
The remarks came as Pakistan and China mark 75 years of diplomatic relations, with both sides holding commemorative activities and continuing high-level engagement throughout the anniversary year.
The reception in Lahore highlighted the role of Punjab in the next phase of bilateral cooperation, with agriculture, industry, technology, business and institutional exchanges featuring prominently in China’s stated priorities for the province.
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