ISLAMABAD: :Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday emphasized the pivotal role of China in supporting Pakistan, especially in securing the recent IMF bailout. Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, the premier acknowledged that the $7 billion IMF programme, finalized in September 2024, would not have been possible without Beijing’s backing.
He highlighted the longstanding partnership between Pakistan and China, particularly through strategic projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which he described as a "lifeline" for Pakistan’s economy. The prime minister also noted China's recent extension of a $2 billion loan repayment by one year, which helped stabilise the country’s foreign reserves.
Reiterating China’s unwavering support, PM Shehbaz praised the country as Pakistan’s “most sincere friend.” He also announced a significant initiative aimed at building capacity in the agricultural sector. Under the programme, 1,000 Pakistani graduates in agriculture will be sent to China for advanced training.
In the first phase, 300 graduates will undergo a three-month training course in China. The second phase will involve 400 students receiving six months of training, followed by 300 more graduates participating in the final phase with another three-month programme. The prime minister congratulated the first batch, expressing hope that the knowledge they gain will contribute to modernising Pakistan’s agriculture sector upon their return.
He stressed the importance of agriculture in Pakistan’s economic development, calling for a transformation in farming methods to improve productivity and ensure food security. He underlined the urgency of revitalising agricultural research institutions, encouraging the adoption of digital crop management, meaningful farming practices, and the development of climate-resilient seeds.
Reflecting on his visit to China, PM Shehbaz shared that he was inspired by the innovative research taking place in Chinese agricultural institutions. It was during that visit, he said, that he made the decision to initiate the graduate training programme.
Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong, present at the event, praised the government’s recent economic performance and expressed China’s willingness to further deepen bilateral cooperation, particularly in agriculture. He reiterated that President Xi Jinping places high value on China’s relations with neighboring countries, with CPEC alone accounting for $35.4 billion in direct Chinese investment in Pakistan.
