ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb held a high-level meeting with Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi, during which detailed discussions were held on promoting economic cooperation, investment, and bilateral trade relations between the two all-weather allies.
The Finance Minister underscored that attracting quality investment to Pakistan remains the government’s top priority, with special attention being paid to boosting exports and enhancing private sector cooperation. He stressed the importance of swiftly converting investment promises into practical projects and noted that effective measures are already underway to strengthen investor confidence.
“Quality investment in Pakistan is non-negotiable for economic stability, and we are committed to creating a conducive environment for Chinese investors,” Aurangzeb said.
Ambassador Khalil Hashmi briefed the minister on the significant progress achieved in bilateral economic ties, revealing that Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth $20 billion have already been agreed upon with Chinese institutions. He added that implementation of investment agreements exceeding an additional $20 billion is currently in motion.
The ambassador highlighted that nine new agreements have been signed in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, while contacts are ongoing with more than 150 Chinese companies for potential investment in various fields.
According to an official statement issued after the meeting, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in multiple key sectors, including manufacturing, logistics, textiles, export industries, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The participants also resolved to strengthen business ties and make institutional cooperation for investment more effective.
The meeting reviewed possibilities for promoting cooperation under Chinese financial institutions, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the Silk Road Fund, and the Pakistan-China Free Trade Agreement. Discussions also focused on improving access for Pakistani products to the vast Chinese market.
Both sides expressed satisfaction over the growing economic partnership and reiterated their commitment to translating high-level political goodwill into tangible economic outcomes that would benefit the people of both countries.
