Farhan Qureshi 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s determination to further solidify the country’s all-weather strategic cooperative partnership with China, highlighting Shehbaz Sharif China ties as a key focus. At a reception marking the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, he said the relationship was based on mutual trust, support and long-standing people-to-people ties.
2026 also marks the 75th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, making the partnership more meaningful. Shehbaz Sharif referred to the relationship as a significant anchor of Pakistan’s foreign policy and reaffirmed Islamabad’s determination to implement agreements and understandings arrived at by both countries.
CPEC 2.0 Puts Pakistan’s Economic Priorities Front and Centre
The next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor is likely to be more focused on sectors that will help support Pakistan’s economic transformation. Industrialisation, special economic zones, information technology, artificial intelligence, agriculture, mining and minerals are being developed around CPEC 2.0.
The move toward productive sectors is an opportunity for Pakistan to enhance industrial capacity, technology adoption and investment. Greater cooperation in these areas can also underpin employment, exports and the development of domestic expertise, and expand the economic dimension of the bilateral partnership.
Skills, Agricultural Growth Boosted by China Cooperation
Another significant area for Pakistan has been the field of agricultural cooperation. The first batch of 1,000 Pakistani agriculture graduates had completed training in China, and another 1,000 were ready to join. Skills development was a key feature of bilateral cooperation, Shehbaz Sharif said.
The initiative can help Pakistan’s agricultural knowledge base improve by introducing young professionals to modern techniques and know-how. Such programs, together with co-operation in technology, industry and minerals, present Pakistan with an opportunity to develop domestic capabilities that could support longer-term economic development.
Pak-China Cooperation Goes Beyond Economic Projects
The partnership is also expanding in education, health, climate change, security and people-to-people exchanges. Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said Beijing was still ready to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in these areas while supporting practical projects for improving livelihoods.
The broader cooperation allows Pakistan to build stronger institutional links while developing expertise among young people, universities and professional communities. Continued participation in emerging sectors can also help Pakistan align its development priorities with wider regional cooperation and technological change.
