Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Thursday that the reform measures implemented by his government have begun to show positive results. These outcomes include successfully reducing food inflation, lowering the current account deficit, and bringing public debt down to a more sustainable level.
The PM talked to the Chairman of China Export-Import Bank (EXIM) Dr Wu Fulin and highlighted his government’s reform agenda focused on governance, taxation, and ease of doing business to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI).
He appreciated the EXIM Bank’s continued support for the modernization of industries, agriculture and IT sectors of Pakistan. He also discussed the possible role of the China EXIM Bank in financing Pakistan-China joint venture projects and trade financing as part of efforts to boost Pakistan’s exports to international markets. The EXIM Bank chairman underscored the critical role of economic and financial cooperation under CPEC phase II and China EXIM Bank’s strategic partnership with Pakistan and support to advance sustainable development under the concept of ‘shared prosperity’.
Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an important meeting with the Chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), Ambassador Luo Zhaohui to discuss the unique and enduring China-Pakistan friendship and the promotion of pragmatic cooperation based on common development, strategic trust, and mutual benefit.
According to the 24News HD TV channel, PM Shehbaz is on his five-day visit to China. He expressed his appreciation for CIDCA's robust support for the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects and Pakistan’s socioeconomic development including the establishment of the Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital, the Desalination Plant in Gwadar, and the New Gwadar International Airport.
PM Shehbaz highlighted the solidarity between the governments and peoples of both countries during natural disasters and calamities.
He commended CIDCA's pivotal role in supporting Pakistan during the COVID-19 pandemic, post-2022 flood reconstruction, and the provision of polio vaccines.
The CIDCA chairman reaffirmed the commitment to deepening China-Pakistan cooperation across various fields.
He emphasized the need to expand the bilateral partnership in infrastructure development, climate change response, and human resource development under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI).
They acknowledged CPEC as a hallmark of the ironclad friendship between Pakistan and China and noted the positive outcomes from the Joint Working Group on Socioeconomic Development under CPEC.
They expressed confidence that the momentum would continue in CPEC phase II, enhancing the lives and livelihoods of the people.perity’.
Reporter: Awais Kiyani