Islamabad (Agencies): Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Jiang Zaidong reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening strategic cooperation with Pakistan, aiming for mutual benefits and shared progress. Addressing the “Chinese New Year, We Celebrate Together” event on Saturday, the ambassador highlighted key milestones and future goals in bilateral relations, particularly under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework.
Jiang emphasized the deepening of development strategy alignment between the two nations to create an upgraded version of CPEC. He noted that both CPEC and non-CPEC projects, along with commercial and development aid initiatives, underscore the resilience and comprehensiveness of Pak-China cooperation.
In 2024, China’s economy achieved a significant milestone, with its GDP surpassing 130 trillion yuan for the first time, growing 5% year-on-year. The ambassador shared that China’s trade with Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries reached 22 trillion yuan, accounting for over 50% of its total foreign trade.
Turning to Pakistan’s progress, Jiang praised the Pakistani government’s reform efforts, which have led to a GDP growth forecast of 3.5%, the highest current account surplus in 15 years, and foreign exchange reserves reaching a three-year high. Inflation dropped to its lowest level in seven years, while foreign investment and overseas remittances showed significant recovery.
He highlighted milestones such as the year-round opening of the Khunjerab Pass, the start of construction on Chashma Nuclear Power Plant Unit 5 (C-5), and the inaugural commercial flight at the new Gwadar International Airport. Additionally, Chinese investment accounted for 40% of Pakistan’s total foreign investment during the first half of the fiscal year.
The ambassador underscored China’s efforts in advancing global governance, solidarity within the Global South, and initiatives like Belt and Road cooperation, which now includes 155 countries.
As the two nations enter the Year of the Snake, Jiang expressed China’s readiness to work alongside Pakistan to strengthen their partnership further, foster mutual learning among civilizations, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. “China will always stand firmly with Pakistan,” he concluded, signaling a bright and collaborative future for bilateral relations.