Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the "unbreakable bond" between Islamabad and Beijing during an exclusive interview with CMG's Leaders Talk program, held on the sidelines of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. The discussion highlighted the strategic significance of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and its role in fostering regional connectivity.
"CPEC is not just infrastructure – it's a bridge for shared prosperity," Sharif stated, noting that over $25 billion in energy and transport projects have been completed since 2015. The prime minister specifically praised Chinese investments in Pakistan's renewable energy sector, which now accounts for 34% of the country's electricity mix.
The leaders also discussed new frontiers in agricultural cooperation, including the 1,000 Agricultural Talents Training Program that has enabled 720 Pakistani agronomists to study precision farming techniques in the Chinese mainland since 2023. "This knowledge transfer is revolutionizing our wheat yields," Sharif revealed, citing a 19% productivity increase in Punjab province.
When asked about cross-border challenges, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to President Xi Jinping's vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. The prime minister concluded: "Pakistan stands ready to work with all SCO members – including our Chinese partners – to address food security and climate action through innovation."
Reference(s):
cgtn.com