ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to embark on a five-day visit to China, starting on Tuesday to chart the future direction of bilateral ties, with a focus on revitalising the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and securing economic relief.

At the invitation of President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang of the People’s Republic of China, PM Shehbaz would undertake an official visit to China from June 4 to 8, the Foreign Office announced on Friday.

The PM would, during his trip, meet President Xi, besides holding delegation-level talks with Premier Li. He will also meet top Chinese legislator and the Communist party’s third ranked official Zhao Leji.

His first tour to China since his re-election this year comes at a critical time when Pakistan is grappling with a severe debt crisis and persistent fiscal deficits, which necessitated new negotiations with the IMF for financial assistance.

Additionally, the country is facing escalating terrorism, particularly from the banned Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan and their links with the Afghan Taliban. Also, Pakistan must navigate the complexities of maintaining balanced relations with major global powers and regional states.

At a media briefing in Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said, “The leaders of the two countries will … jointly draw up a blueprint for the growth of bilateral relations.”

Elaborating PM Shehbaz’s agenda during the visit, the FO said, “The two sides will undertake discussions to further stre­ngthen the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership; upg­rade China-Pakistan Economic Corridor; advance trade and investment; enhance cooperation in security and defence, energy, space, science & technology, and education; and promote cultural cooperation and people-to-people contacts, thus setting the future trajectory of Pakistan-China friendship.”

A significant component of the prime minister’s visit will involve strategic meetings with senior executives from China’s leading corporations in the oil and gas, energy, ICT, and emerging technologies sectors. In Shenzhen, he will deliver a keynote address to the China-Pakistan Business Forum, engaging with business leaders and investors from both countries. Also, he will conduct site visits to China’s Economic and Agricultural Zones, exploring potential areas of cooperation and development.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson emphasised the enduring and robust ties between China and Pakistan, likening them to the stability of Mount Tai — a symbol of steadfastness in Chinese culture. She noted successful practical collaborations and significant progress in CPEC. Looking forward, she expressed China’s readiness to collaborate closely with Pakistan for deepening the bilateral all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

On Friday, PM Shehbaz reviewed the preparations for his upcoming visit at a meeting, wherein he sought comprehensive plans to hold result-oriented business-to-business interactions and strategies for attracting Chinese industries to set up their units in Pakistan.Accor­ding to an official statement, the PM will be accompanied by a delegation of industrialists, investors, and businessmen during his tour to Shenzhen city.

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2024