PM Sharif credits CPEC for resolving Pakistan’s energy crisis, at B2B conference in Beijing

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke on the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations during his address at the Business-to-Business (B2B) Conference in Beijing. He also called the event a reflection of the “strong bilateral friendship” between the two nations.

Speaking to a gathering of business leaders, investors, and government officials, the premier praised the deep-rooted ties between Islamabad and Beijing, saying that their friendship is built on “mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.”

“China has always supported Pakistan in every difficult time,” Sharif said, expressing gratitude for Beijing’s consistent backing, particularly during economic and energy crises.

He credited the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with playing a transformative role in Pakistan’s development. “Thanks to CPEC, Pakistan overcame the energy crisis in just three years,” he noted, adding that the initiative has revitalised both agriculture and industry across the country.

PM Sharif also pointed to major infrastructure achievements made possible through Chinese cooperation, including the Lahore Orange Line Metro and several key dam projects. He stressed that Pakistan continues to benefit from China’s experience and technological advancements, especially in the agricultural sector.

Looking ahead, the prime minister accentuated Pakistan’s openness to cooperation in emerging fields such as information technology, artificial intelligence, and mining. He highlighted the potential of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to attract Chinese investment, offering benefits like affordable labor and the transfer of skilled expertise.

“The second phase of CPEC will bring a new dimension to our cooperation,” Sharif declared, signaling Islamabad’s commitment to deeper collaboration in the years ahead. He reaffirmed that Pakistan’s economy is now “moving in the right direction” and said CPEC will continue to be a central pillar in strengthening bilateral ties.

The B2B Conference is part of a broader effort to enhance economic cooperation and private-sector engagement between the two strategic partners.