On Friday, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong discussed important strategic initiatives between their countries as Pakistan and China strengthen ties ahead of Premier Li’s visit.
This meeting took place ahead of the historic visit by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, which is seen as a significant development in China-Pakistan relations after a gap of 11 years. Both officials highlighted that this visit presents a strategic opportunity to enhance bilateral cooperation and achieve substantial outcomes. They agreed to form a dedicated working group to focus on aligning and maximizing the results of Premier Li’s visit.
During their conversation, Minister Ahsan Iqbal commended China for its steadfast support of Pakistan’s development, especially in areas like infrastructure, energy, and industrialization. He emphasized the strategic importance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for Pakistan’s economic revival and regional connectivity.
The minister reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating the smooth execution of ongoing projects and stressed the nation’s focus on overcoming economic challenges through long-term partnerships that encourage inclusive growth.
He assured the ambassador that any barriers to the progress of critical projects would be prioritized and addressed to ensure their timely completion.
Ambassador Jiang Zaidong expressed his approval of Pakistan’s economic growth, policy stability, business environment, and security, commending the advancements made under the current government. He noted that Pakistan’s GDP rose from 0.9% in the last fiscal year to 2.8% this year, with projections of reaching 3.2% in the upcoming fiscal year.
He also highlighted the improvement in foreign exchange reserves as a positive sign for Pakistan’s economy, crediting these achievements to the leadership of Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and his cabinet.
Both dignitaries acknowledged the significant progress on their initiatives and reiterated their commitment to ensuring timely completion. They shared a common vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of long-term, sustainable cooperation that would benefit both nations.
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