HANGZHOU (Dunya News) – Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held an important meeting in Hangzhou with Wang Hao, Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Zhejiang Provincial Committee, as part of his ongoing engagements in China.
Wang Hao welcomed the premier to Zhejiang province and underscored the importance of strengthening provincial-level cooperation between Pakistan and China. The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the long-standing strategic partnership between the two countries.
PM Shehbaz lauded the remarkable development and transformation of Zhejiang province, describing it as a model of modernisation and innovation-led growth. He also appreciated the visionary leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping, particularly his tenure as Secretary of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee. Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the widely recognised concept promoted by President Xi that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, noting its relevance in balancing development with environmental protection.
He observed that Zhejiang’s progress stands as a living example of how environmental sustainability, green development, and high-quality economic growth can advance together in a mutually reinforcing manner. The prime minister stressed that Pakistan attaches high importance to expanding cooperation with Zhejiang province across multiple sectors, including the digital economy, e-commerce, information technology, telecommunications, agriculture, renewable energy, modern industrialisation, and skills development.
PM Shehbaz further stated that provincial cooperation forms a vital pillar of Pakistan-China relations and can play a significant role in advancing the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). He emphasised that stronger provincial linkages can accelerate industrial collaboration, agricultural modernisation, technological exchange, and export-oriented growth, thereby deepening economic integration between the two countries.
During the visit, the prime minister also attended the signing ceremony of two significant cooperation documents. The first was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishing sister-province relations between Zhejiang province and Punjab. This agreement is aimed at enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, agriculture, education, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, laying the groundwork for broader institutional collaboration at the sub-national level.
The second document related to the establishment of the China-Pakistan Joint Technology Research Centre, signed between Hangzhou Normal University and the Embassy of Pakistan in Beijing. The centre is designed to promote academic cooperation, applied research, technology exchange, and stronger institutional linkages between academic and research institutions in both countries. It is expected to serve as a platform for innovation-driven collaboration and capacity building.
PM Shehbaz noted that Pakistan and China are currently commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. He remarked that both countries are entering a new phase of cooperation characterised by people-centred development, practical engagement, and enhanced collaboration across multiple domains. The premier reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening its partnership with China, particularly through provincial cooperation mechanisms that align with shared development goals and long-term strategic priorities.