By Abid Chaudhry
TWA
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Pakistan and China on Thursday signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) regarding the production of solar panels and for manufacturing tractors.
The MoUs were signed during a ceremony in Beijing. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif witnessed the signing ceremony of MoUs aimed at enhancing cooperation between Pakistan and China in diverse fields in Beijing.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Pakistan’s Habib Rafiq Limited and Beijing Global Hydrogen Industries Company Limited was also signed on the occasion.
Besides, a MoU between the Board of Investment of Pakistan and the Institute of Structural Economics, Peking University regarding the development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor was also signed.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is on a five-day visit to China. Earlier today, he visited Zhongguancun Science Park in China’s Silicon Valley and appreciated the scientific and technological advancement in China. PM Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the immense potential of cooperation between Pakistan and China which can boost technological progress and innovation in Pakistan.
On this occasion, he was briefed on tech start-ups’ culture and the innovative environment and cutting-edge research taking place in the Science Park. The discussions focused on potential collaboration and partnerships in tech start-ups, Research and Development centers, and digital infrastructure. The Prime Minister was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and other members of the entourage.
Earlier while addressing the Pakistan-China Friendship and Business event, PM Shehbaz Sharif appreciated China’s approach of cooperation and dialogue, particularly with the countries of the developing world, through a journey of common understanding and shared prosperity.
PM Shehbaz Sharif underscored the importance of multilateralism and international law for international peace, security and development. He reiterated Pakistan’s strong commitment to the Pakistan-China All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership, which is based on mutual respect, strategic trust and mutually beneficial cooperation.
Emphasizing the historical and civilizational ties between the two countries, the Prime Minister noted the special and unique character of Pakistan-China friendship that has withstood the test of time.
The Prime Minister appreciated President Xi Jinping’s vision of building a Shared Future for Mankind and its related initiatives including the Belt and Road Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Development Initiative and Global Civilizational Initiative. PM Shehbaz complemented these initiatives to provide practical solutions to the challenges of peace, security and development facing the contemporary world.
Highlighting CPEC as the major plank of Pakistan’s economic reform agenda, the Prime Minister said that CPEC presented a success story of mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation and a solid foundation for Pakistan’s economic development. The Prime Minister expressed confidence that the next phase of CPEC would serve to further deepen the Pakistan-China strategic partnership.
PM Shehbaz urged Chinese investors and businesspersons to make use of the investment opportunities in Pakistan, especially with the establishment of the Special Investment Facilitation Council that offers a one-window solution to international investors.
The Prime Minister called for practical and mutually beneficial cooperation in priority areas of mining, ICT and agriculture.
