ISLAMABAD — President Asif Ali Zardari on Friday called for a significant expansion of economic and trade cooperation between Pakistan and China, emphasizing the need for stronger business-to-business linkages and the exploration of fresh investment avenues.
Speaking during a meeting with Hao Yuejiao, President of the China Africa & Asia Trade & Cooperation Promotion Association, Zardari underscored the strategic importance of transforming the longstanding bilateral relationship into a more dynamic commercial partnership, according to a statement from the President House Media Wing.
The president welcomed initiatives aimed at boosting trade and investment flows between the two nations, noting that such efforts align with Pakistan’s broader economic objectives.
Focus on Business Engagement
Zardari stressed that government-level diplomacy alone would not unlock the full potential of the Pakistan-China relationship. Instead, he argued, private sector actors must take a leading role.
- Greater direct interaction between Pakistani and Chinese enterprises
- Joint ventures in manufacturing, agriculture, and technology
- Streamlined regulatory frameworks to facilitate cross-border investment
The meeting also included Senator Saleem Mandviwalla, who has been involved in parliamentary efforts to strengthen trade ties with regional partners.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Sectors
While the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has historically focused on infrastructure and energy, Zardari’s remarks suggest an appetite for diversification. The president specifically highlighted the need to identify “new avenues of collaboration,” a signal that Islamabad is looking to move beyond conventional project-based cooperation.
Analysts note that China remains Pakistan’s largest trading partner and a critical source of foreign investment. However, the trade balance has long favored Beijing, prompting calls for Pakistani exporters to gain greater access to Chinese markets.
The China Africa & Asia Trade & Cooperation Promotion Association has been active in connecting Chinese businesses with emerging markets across multiple continents. Its engagement with Pakistan’s highest political leadership indicates a renewed push to position the country as a key node in China’s regional commercial strategy.
