PM Shehbaz Begins China Visit for Strategic Investment Talks

PM Shehbaz Sharif begins a four-day China visit focused on CPEC, trade, investment, and over $5 billion in expected agreements.

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Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Hangzhou on the first leg of his four-day official visit to China, as Pakistan and China prepare to strengthen economic cooperation through more than 100 agreements and memorandums of understanding expected to exceed $5 billion in value.

The visit is being viewed as a major diplomatic and economic engagement focused on investment, industrial collaboration, technology partnerships, and the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

According to statements shared by the Prime Minister’s Office, the prime minister was received at Xiaoshan Hangzhou International Airport by Zhejiang Vice Governor Xu Wenguang, alongside senior Pakistani and Chinese officials.

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Khalil Hashmi and senior cabinet members including Ishaq Dar, Ahsan Iqbal, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, and Attaullah Tarar accompanied the delegation.

Following his arrival, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X expressing gratitude to Zhejiang Province leadership for the warm welcome and stating that Pakistan looks forward to expanding practical cooperation with China across multiple sectors.

Officials said the visit reflects the growing momentum in bilateral ties as both countries deepen strategic and economic coordination.

The visit will include meetings with Xi Jinping and Chinese Premier Li Qiang, where discussions are expected to focus on regional developments, trade expansion, industrial relocation, digital technology, infrastructure investment, and the second phase of CPEC.

Officials familiar with the talks said nearly 90 percent of the planned agreements involve business-to-business partnerships, while the remainder focus on government-to-business cooperation.

Pakistan is also expected to push for increased Chinese investment in manufacturing, energy, technology, and logistics sectors. The prime minister will attend a business forum under CPEC Phase II aimed at strengthening ties between Pakistani and Chinese companies and promoting industrial cooperation.

As part of the visit, the prime minister is scheduled to meet executives from leading Chinese firms and tour the headquarters of Alibaba Group. Officials said the visit will also include engagements focused on digital transformation, e-commerce, and technology collaboration.

The visit additionally coincides with celebrations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is also expected to visit the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to explore cooperation in agricultural innovation, food security, and research partnerships.

Government officials believe the visit could open new avenues for investment and economic cooperation at a time when Pakistan is seeking stronger foreign inflows, export growth, and industrial modernization.

The prime minister is scheduled to conclude the visit and return to Pakistan on May 26.