Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday welcomed the signing of nine pharmaceutical agreements worth around $440 million between Pakistani and Chinese private companies. He said the agreements would strengthen bilateral economic cooperation and support the next phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC 2.0).
Addressing the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical Business-to-Business Conference in Islamabad, the prime minister said the partnerships would encourage investment in pharmaceutical manufacturing, vaccine production, and research and development. He expressed confidence that these agreements would translate into practical projects benefiting Pakistan’s healthcare sector.
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Shehbaz Sharif said the cooperation could help Pakistan become a regional centre for producing and exporting life-saving medicines. He added that the pharmaceutical sector had significant potential to attract technology, investment, and expertise from Chinese companies.
The prime minister said China had remained a reliable partner during challenging times and had already invested more than $30 billion under the first phase of CPEC. He described the new pharmaceutical partnerships as an important step toward expanding economic and industrial cooperation.
Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif highlighted Pakistan’s efforts for regional peace and stability during recent crises. He appreciated the role of Chinese leadership and Pakistani officials in diplomatic engagements aimed at promoting cooperation and reducing tensions.
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The prime minister assured Chinese investors that the security of Chinese citizens working in Pakistan remained the government’s highest priority. He said authorities were taking comprehensive measures to ensure a safe environment for foreign investors and businesses.
Additionally, Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong said Pakistan’s large and growing population created strong demand for healthcare services and medicines. He said the Chinese embassy would continue facilitating business links between companies of both countries to expand cooperation.