ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari is in China to strengthen trade, economic and strategic cooperation under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor project between the two countries, his office said on Sunday.
Zardari arrived in the Chinese city of Changsha late Saturday night and was received by Jiang Zaidong, China’s ambassador to Pakistan, and other officials.
Senator Sehar Kamran, a member of Zardari’s Pakistan Peoples Party, said on Saturday that the president would undertake a five-day official visit to China.
“President Zardari’s visit to China is expected to further strengthen economic cooperation, trade and strategic partnership under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) between the two countries,” a statement from the president’s office said.
China is a major ally and investor in Pakistan, pledging over $65 billion in investment in road, infrastructure and development projects under CPEC. The project is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.
Zardari’s office said agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed between the Government of Sindh — where Zardari’s PPP party is in power — and Chinese companies.
Zardari’s visit to China takes place as Islamabad attempts to forge closer trade, economic and investment ties with Beijing, Middle Eastern countries and other regional allies.
Pakistan’s push for economic diplomacy has increased in recent months as it eyes sustainable economic growth, driven by exports and reforms mandated by the International Monetary Fund.
Pakistan has also taken China into confidence about its recent efforts to mediate between the US and Iran. Beijing has backed Islamabad’s efforts to defuse tensions between Washington and Tehran.
