PM Shehbaz Urges Chinese Businesses to Invest in Pakistan’s SEZs
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday held an important meeting with senior executives of leading Chinese enterprises in Beijing. He extended a strong invitation for Chinese businesses to invest in Pakistan and establish industries within the Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Discussions focused on enhancing business-to-business collaboration across vital sectors such as textiles, information technology, agriculture, mining and minerals, road and digital connectivity, e-commerce, and space technologies. The Prime Minister highlighted reforms introduced by his government, including tax incentives for investors, streamlined visa policies for Chinese nationals, and special airport booths to facilitate business travel.
P.c. China Pakistan Economic Corridor
Shehbaz underlined the significance of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), which has been designed to accelerate investment, resolve bottlenecks, and create a platform for strengthening business partnerships. He termed industrial cooperation as the foundation of Pakistan-China economic relations and a driving force in the high-quality development of CPEC’s second phase.
He further informed Chinese executives that Pakistan offers the unique advantage of skilled yet affordable labour, cost-effective raw materials, and unmatched regional connectivity with both regional and global markets. He assured them of a favourable investment climate and reiterated that greater investment in SEZs would transform CPEC into a true engine of shared prosperity and regional innovation.
During his visit to China for the SCO Council of Heads of State Summit, Shehbaz also engaged with global leaders. At the summit, he addressed issues of regional importance, including the Indus Waters Treaty, urging dialogue and diplomacy instead of confrontation. He emphasized Pakistan’s commitment to international treaties and its vision for stable, cooperative relations with neighbouring countries.
In a separate meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the next phase of CPEC through new corridors of cooperation. They stressed that the Pakistan-China partnership remains unique and unparalleled, with opportunities to further expand cooperation across diverse sectors.
On the sidelines of the summit, Shehbaz also met Russian President Vladimir Putin. The two leaders reviewed bilateral ties, signing new agreements in agriculture, energy, and transport. They also discussed the potential of a regional trade corridor linking Belarus, Russia, Central Asia, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, which could serve as a major boost to regional prosperity.
Both China and Russia expressed their strong support for Pakistan’s development and partnerships, while Shehbaz reaffirmed Islamabad’s resolve to build deeper relations through dialogue, economic cooperation, and shared strategic goals.