CM hails Pakistan-China ties, calls for expanded cooperation with Sindh

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday congratulated the government and people of China on the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and described the Pakistan-China friendship as an enduring partnership based on mutual trust, sovereign equality and support for each other’s core interests.

CM Shah was speaking at a reception hosted by acting Chinese consul general in Karachi Feng Deheng on Monday evening to mark China’s National Day. Shah said China has emerged as one of the most remarkable development success stories in modern history through determination, innovation and strategic vision.

He said China has lifted hundreds of millions of people out of poverty, developed world-class infrastructure, emerged as a global leader in science and technology, and become a major engine of international economic growth.

He also highlighted China’s emphasis on modernisation, high-quality development and the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind under the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Shah said that China’s achievements in economic transformation, technological advancement, green development and social progress have earned international recognition and inspired developing countries seeking prosperity and sustainable growth.

He also appreciated China’s contribution to global peace, development and international cooperation, and said that its emphasis on dialogue, mutual respect, multilateralism and win-win cooperation provides opportunities for constructive engagement among nations.

Referring to China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilisation Initiative, he said that these efforts reflect the importance of inclusive development, collective security, cultural understanding and a more equitable international order.

He said Pakistan and China share a friendship that has withstood the test of time, and described their relationship as an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership.

“For decades our two nations have stood shoulder to shoulder, supporting one another in moments of challenge and celebrating each other’s achievements,” he said, and added that the enduring friendship is a source of pride for both peoples, and a cornerstone of regional cooperation and stability.

Shah said that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project of the Belt & Road Initiative, has added a transformative dimension to the bilateral relations. Through enhanced connectivity, energy projects, industrial development and infrastructure investments, CPEC has contributed significantly to Pakistan’s economic landscape and development prospects, he added.

He said that being Pakistan’s economic and commercial hub, Sindh occupies a central position in Pakistan-China cooperation. “We are pleased to see growing Chinese investment and collaboration across multiple sectors, including energy, ports and logistics, industry, agriculture, information technology, urban infrastructure, health care and education.”

He added that the Sindh government highly values its partnership with Chinese institutions and enterprises, and remains committed to creating an enabling environment for investment. He said the provincial government is keen on deepening cooperation in renewable energy, smart urban development, agricultural modernisation, vocational training, digital transformation and industrial innovation. “These areas hold immense potential for further strengthening the bonds between Sindh and China, and for delivering tangible benefits to our people.”

Shah said Pakistan appreciates China’s consistent support for Pakistan’s development, economic progress and regional stability. He expressed confidence that the bilateral ties would continue to grow stronger, and called for further efforts to deepen cooperation and people-to-people contacts.

He once again congratulated the Chinese government and people on China’s National Day, and wished the country continued peace, progress, prosperity and success. The programme had begun with the national anthems of Pakistan and China. The acting CG had delivered the welcoming remarks. The programme concluded with a cake-cutting ceremony.