Pakistan, China plan joint ventures in agriculture, IT – PM

Pakistan and China are set to enhance their economic cooperation, with a focus on agriculture, IT, mining, and infrastructure, according to Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Speaking in Karachi to foreign company representatives, including those from China, Sharif outlined plans for expanding bilateral ties during the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Sharif highlighted his June visit to China, where he toured an agricultural university and research centre in Shaanxi province. He emphasised the potential of training Pakistani graduates at these institutions to revolutionise Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

With last year’s agricultural exports increasing by $3 billion and a projected rise to $7 billion this year, Sharif stressed the need for modern technology and methods.

The second phase of CPEC will see joint ventures in textiles and agriculture, aimed at boosting production and exports. Launched in 2013, CPEC, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, initially focused on energy, transport, and industry and will now expand to include agriculture and other sectors.

Attribution: Xinhua