ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Wednesday that Pakistan and China are entering a new phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), shifting the focus to industrialisation, special economic zones, IT and artificial intelligence, agriculture, and mining and minerals.
Speaking at a function in connection with the 77th anniversary of the founding of China, being celebrated today (Thursday), the prime minister said CPEC 2.0 would underscore the two countries’ shared commitment to building a more prosperous and developed future for their people. “CPEC is a manifestation of our longstanding friendship and our shared resolve for a more prosperous and developed future for our people,” he said, adding that Pakistan had now entered the next phase of the flagship economic cooperation project.
He said particular attention would be given to industrialisation, special economic zones, IT and artificial intelligence, agriculture, mining and minerals under the new phase.
Sharif described 2026 as a year of special significance in the shared journey of Pakistan and China, as the two countries are also marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.
He said Pakistan-China ties had withstood every test over the decades, including earthquakes, storms and floods.
“Our hearts are connected and beat together,” the prime minister said, describing the relationship as a friendship that had endured the passage of time.
He congratulated Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Chinese people on the occasion, saying China’s National Day was an opportunity to pay tribute to the perseverance, unity and “indomitable spirit” of the Chinese nation.
He said China played an important role in promoting global peace, stability and development, while under President Xi’s leadership the country had made significant advances in human development, science, technology and innovation.
The prime minister also described Pakistan-China relations as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Referring to his meeting with President Xi in May, he said their discussions represented a renewed commitment to the longstanding friendship between the two countries.
He added that Pakistan was fully committed to implementing the understandings reached between the leadership of the two countries.
Quoting a Chinese saying about a sincere friend in a distant land making that distant land feel close, Sharif said the words aptly reflected the friendship and closeness between Pakistan and China.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who also addressed the ceremony, described China and Pakistan as “all-weather strategic cooperative partners”.
He said Pakistan was playing an increasingly important role internationally because of what he described as its principled position, broad global vision and diplomatic insight.
The ambassador said Pakistan had supported multilateralism and international cooperation and had played an important role in safeguarding peace and security in the region and beyond.
Referring to Prime Minister Sharif’s address to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Jiang said the Pakistani premier had strongly defended the country’s national interests and presented Islamabad’s position on international and regional issues.
He said Pakistan’s stance had been appreciated by the international community.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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