LAHORE: Pakistan and China reaffirmed their commitment to expanding economic cooperation under CPEC 2.0, with a focus on industry, agriculture, mining and emerging sectors, at an event marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
Chinese Consul General in Lahore Sun Yan said both sides are advancing towards an upgraded phase of cooperation and highlighted the importance of developing a skilled workforce, including proficiency in the Chinese language, to support trade and investment ties.
The event was organised by the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and attended by Punjab Finance Minister Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, Punjab Industries and Commerce Minister Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, FPCCI representatives, diplomats, industrialists and members of the business community.
Sun recalled Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to China, during which both countries reaffirmed cooperation in economic development, security and global affairs. She said CPEC has attracted billions of dollars in investment and created thousands of jobs in Pakistan, while future collaboration would increasingly focus on textiles, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, education and innovation.
Hussain said Pakistan-China economic relations have strengthened in recent years, with several agreements signed during his visits to China now moving towards implementation.He said Chinese companies have already invested billions of rupees in Punjab, while more firms were exploring investment opportunities in the province.
Foreign affairs expert Muhammad Mehdi called for stronger institutional mechanisms to improve trade policymaking, saying Pakistan should draw lessons from its experience under the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement by increasing stakeholder consultation and building research capacity.
FPCCI Regional Chairman and Vice President Zaki Aijaz said the next phase of Pakistan-China cooperation should focus on industrial development, special economic zones, technology, renewable energy, agriculture, healthcare, logistics and youth entrepreneurship.
