Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar has said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, our government is pursuing an ambitious agenda of economic revival, industrial expansion, and sustainable growth. Over the past four years, we have achieved economic stabilization, and the economic trajectory today is firmly upward, despite external headwinds. He said our friendship with China has stood the test of time, changing global realities, and regional challenges.
This was stated by Ishaq Dar in his welcome remarks at Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference on IT&Telecom, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Agriculture.
Ishaq Dar said that “it is my profound pleasure to welcome you all to the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference on IT & Telecom, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), and Agriculture, here in the magnificent city of Hangzhou. I am reminded of a famous Chinese proverb: “Up above there is heaven, down below there are Suzhou and Hangzhou.” Today, one can truly see why Hangzhou is called heaven on earth”.
Ishaq Dar said “I express my deep gratitude to Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif for his vision and support in organizing this B2B conference. The sectors chosen for today’s engagement are central to Pakistan’s economic transformation and industrial modernization. I sincerely appreciate the support extended by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce. I would especially like to acknowledge the leadership of Zhejiang Province. The personal presence of Governor Liu Jie reflects the depth of commitment and friendship that defines our relationship. I also thank the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Zhejiang Provincial Committee, for its invaluable cooperation. My appreciation also goes to my fellow ministers, senior officials, and all those who worked tirelessly to make this conference possible”.
Isharq Dar said “Most importantly, I am delighted to see such a strong presence of Pakistani and Chinese companies here today. Over 500 companies from both sides are present in this hall. You are the driving force behind this partnership. This conference belongs to you: it is for you, and because of you”.
He said that under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, our government is pursuing an ambitious agenda of economic revival, industrial expansion, and sustainable growth. Over the past four years, we have achieved economic stabilization, and the economic trajectory today is firmly upward, despite external headwinds. Pakistan is open for business. Pakistan is reforming. Pakistan is rising.
He said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also fundamentally redefined its role, placing economic diplomacy at the heart of our foreign policy. Our expanding B2B engagement with China stands as a powerful example of this new direction.
Ishaq Dar said “So far, we have organized two B2B conferences in China and two in Pakistan. This is now the fifth edition of sector focused conferences. Cumulatively, more than 300 MoUs and nearly three dozen joint ventures have been signed, with a total value exceeding 13 billion U.S. dollars. And the conversion rate from MoUs to Agreements is nearby 30%. we have obtained nearly 30% conversion rate from MoUs to agreements and contracts. These are not merely statistics. They are proof of trust, confidence, and shared ambition. We are also witnessing remarkable success stories”.
Ishaq Dar said “Last week, I was privileged to inaugurate the IBI Pakistan Digital Economy Headquarters in Islamabad. In less than eight months after Chairman Qian’s meeting with the Prime Minister in Beijing. IB has established an office and started its operations. I understand IBI’s recent visit to Pakistan last week led to signing of MoUs worth over one billion dollars. Thank you, President Qian, for supporting this event and for joining us to share the success story of IBI Guolian Gufen, which is now building up. Today, you will also hear about another successful joint venture between Servis Group of Pakistan and Lang March Tyres of China. Within five years, this joint venture is now about to create a billion-dollarJV Company, listed on Pakistan stock exchange”.
Ishaq Dar said “these achievements are the result of coordinated efforts across multiple Pakistani institutions under the guidance of the Prime Minister. I commend every individual and institution contributing to this mission. I would especially like to commend Ambassador Khalil Hashmi for taking several initiatives including championing the cause of B2B matchmaking in our priority sectors. He has led his team and our Consulates in China exceptionally well. As you may know, the Chinese Foreign Minister conferred on Ambassador Hashmi the outstanding diplomat medal last week. This award is well deserved both for Ambassador Hashmi’s diplomatic acumen and for his invaluable contributions to strengthening of Pakistan-China relations”.
Ishaq Dar said that what our Missions in China are doing is economic diplomacy in action. This is a model we would like our Missions across the world to emulate: engagement, targeted outreach, strategic partnerships, and tangible results – a model which responds to the core macroeconomic requirements of Pakistan. As Pakistan and China celebrate 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, I am proud to see our iron brotherhood growing stronger with each passing year. Our friendship has stood the test of time, changing global realities, and regional challenges”.
Ishaq Dar said “I am particularly pleased that our historic government-to-government relationship is now being reinforced by a vibrant and expanding business-to-business partnership. As the Chinese proverb says: “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” I must say the Chinese economic model of learning by doing, induction, and deduction offers lessons for Pakistan. I am glad that we took that first step in Shenzhen two years ago, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.Since then, this journey has gathered momentum, confidence, and purpose. And now, there is no looking back, only forward and upward”.