Islamabad, Feb 16: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening strategic and economic cooperation with China, emphasizing key areas such as technology, industry, space, and agriculture. In an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) during his recent visit to China, Zardari highlighted the importance of leveraging Pakistan’s geographical proximity and longstanding partnership with China to drive economic growth.
He praised China’s achievements in science and technology, describing them as a global economic force and a valuable resource for Pakistan’s development. He particularly underscored the need for greater collaboration in agriculture, noting that Pakistan’s per-acre crop yield lags behind China’s, making knowledge-sharing in agricultural technology, water management, and climate resilience crucial for Pakistan’s progress.
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Discussing cooperation in space technology, Zardari expressed Pakistan’s ambition to expand its capabilities through Chinese partnerships, calling it a positive step for technological advancement. He also commended the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for transforming Pakistan’s infrastructure and connectivity, reinforcing its role in economic modernization.
In meetings with Chinese leadership, Zardari proposed the establishment of specialized industrial parks for Chinese enterprises, where Pakistani labor would be employed while Chinese executives could operate remotely. He described China as Pakistan’s all-weather friend and emphasized the significance of adopting Chinese technology for long-term development.
Zardari also praised President Xi Jinping’s leadership, crediting him with advancing China’s global economic standing. Addressing concerns about China’s rapid rise, he dismissed global apprehensions, affirming Pakistan’s strong support for China’s peaceful development and non-interference policy in international affairs.
On regional cooperation, he expressed confidence in China’s leadership within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), expecting it to play an expanded role in economic and security frameworks. He also highlighted Pakistan’s deep-rooted historical ties with China, shaped by centuries of trade and cultural exchange.
Zardari’s visit reinforces Pakistan’s long-term commitment to economic collaboration with China, particularly in technology, industrial development, and agricultural modernization, further strengthening the strategic economic partnership between the two nations.
