Pakistan Eyes $7 Billion Boost in Agricultural Exports with China’s Partnership
Wire desk byline Sourced from Xinhua, Dawn, Arab News, Anadolu and Minute Mirror. Translated and abridged by the GSRRA Desk.
CPEC’s next phase to focus on B2B Ventures in the Industrial Sector
ISLAMABAD – Pakistan and China are pushing the second phase of multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with a special focus on industrial cooperation, socio-economic development, and agricultural modernization.
Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif underscored the evolving partnership between Islamabad and Beijing, focusing on the transition from friendly ties to stronger investment, economic, and trade connections.
The premier emphasized next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) would prioritize business-to-business collaborations, especially in the industrial sector.
He addressed international business representatives, including those from China, PM highlighted the need to translate the long-standing brotherhood between the two countries into deeper economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, IT, mining, minerals, and infrastructure.
PM Sharif pointed out that with over 60 percent of its population in rural areas, the Asian nation must enhance its agricultural production. He mentioned that the country’s agricultural exports grew by $3 billion in the last fiscal year, and a target of an additional $7 billion has been set for the current year. He believes that China is an ideal partner in achieving these goals by adopting modern technology and best practices.
The premier also reflected on his recent visit to China, where he was impressed by the advanced technology and educational culture in Chinese institutions. As a result, he announced plans to send 1,000 Pakistani students to China for advanced agricultural training. This program is close to being finalized, and the students will soon begin their courses.
Encouraging Chinese businesses to form partnerships with their Pakistani counterparts, PM Sharif noted that the next phase of CPEC would focus on business-to-business agreements and joint ventures, particularly in textiles and agriculture.
The aim is to produce and export these goods internationally, creating a win-win situation for both countries. He concluded by stating that the strong friendship between Pakistan and China is now reaching new heights, symbolized by the successful launch of Pakistan’s satellite with Chinese assistance.
Reference Link:- https://pakobserver.net/pakistan-eyes-7-billion-boost-in-agricultural-exports-with-chinas-partnership/
Zamir Ahmed Awan is the founder and Chair of the Global Silk Route Research Alliance, a think tank in Islamabad. He studied engineering at Shanghai University in the 1980s, and years later he went back to China as Pakistan's science counsellor in Beijing, from 2010 until 2016, working on science and higher education cooperation between the two countries.…
