President Asif Ali Zardari on Tuesday met Chen Jining, Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Shanghai, accompanied by First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
Welcoming the delegation, Chen hailed Pakistan as China’s “all-weather friend and iron brother,” recalling Zardari’s meeting with President Xi Jinping earlier this year and the prime minister’s recent visit. He said both sides are preparing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.
Zardari reaffirmed that Pakistan-China relations are “unshakeable,” stressing that despite attempts by hostile elements to disrupt ties, the friendship would continue to strengthen across generations.
Chen also briefed the president on Shanghai’s transformation from an industrial hub into a global services powerhouse, highlighting progress in healthcare, education, and innovation. He noted that the city now boasts the world’s largest number of coffee shops, more than 9,000.
Both sides discussed opportunities for collaboration in Pakistan’s Special Economic Zones and Gwadar Free Zone, particularly in technology, IT, artificial intelligence, and industrial innovation.
Later, Chen hosted a dinner in Zardari’s honour. The Pakistani delegation included Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, Sindh ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Ambassador Khalil Hashmi, and China’s envoy to Pakistan, Jiang Zaidong. Senior Chinese officials, including Hua Yuan and Zhu Zhaokai, as well as representatives from Shanghai Electric, also attended.
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