SHENZHEN: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday noted that the deep-rooted ties between Pakistan and China were characterised by frequent engagement and dialogue at the leadership level, people-to-people contacts, cultural and educational exchanges.

Earlier today, PM Shehbaz landed in China’s Shenzhen on the first leg of his official visit to the country with an aim to advance bilateral trade and economic ties with Beijing and attract Chinese investors via business-to-business (B2B) projects.

The prime minister met Shenzhen Municipal Committee Party Secretary and Deputy Party Secretary of Guangdong Provincial Committee in Shenzhen Meng Fanli, the PM Office said in a statement. 

The prime minister lauded the impressive economic growth and exemplary innovative spirit of Guangdong province and also termed Shenzhen a trade gateway for China’s business linkages with Pakistan.

Reaffirming ‘the time-honoured All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership between Pakistan and China,’ the two sides agreed on the need to explore opportunities for increased cooperation between Pakistan and the Guangdong province particularly under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

PM Shehbaz and party secretary Meng underlined the importance of robust linkages and exchanges between scientists, innovators and businessmen to harness the true potential for enhanced partnership in science and technology, innovation and trade and economic cooperation.

They also agreed that Pakistan-China Business Conference being held on Wednesday (June 5) could make an important contribution in that regard. 

The prime minister also attended a banquet hosted by Meng Fanli.