Commerce Desk
KARACHI : Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance, Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, and Former Provincial Minister Information Technology, has stated that the historic and time-tested relationship between Pakistan and China remains the absolute cornerstone of regional stability and socio-economic progress as both nations celebrate the landmark 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties. In a statement issued following the 75th anniversary celebrations, the veteran business leader emphasized that the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership has successfully navigated complex global geopolitical shifts, evolving from a traditional diplomatic alliance into an iron-clad political, economic, social, trade and defense reality. He noted that the recent resolution passed by the parliament of Pakistan and the high-profile visits of Chinese delegations underscore a completely unified national consensus across the political spectrum regarding the unparalleled value of Beijing’s friendship.
Reflecting on the deeper bilateral and international dimensions of the relationship, Mian Zahid Hussain pointed out that Islamabad and Beijing share a fully converging vision on global issues, maintaining critical coordination at international forums such as the United Nations and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to defend the interests of developing nations. He appreciated China’s consistent, unwavering stance on the Jammu and Kashmir dispute and reiterated that the business community stands firmly with the state’s absolute commitment to the One-China principle. He further highlighted that the joint diplomatic initiatives of both nations to promote peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East reflect a shared sense of global responsibility, proving that this partnership is a stabilizing anchor in an otherwise turbulent international landscape.
Mian Zahid Hussain highlighted the robust economic underpinnings of the alliance, citing the latest trade data from March 2026, which shows a massive 83.5 percent year-on-year surge in Pakistani exports to China, reaching 361 million dollars compared to 197 million dollars in the same month of the previous year. This growth, driven significantly by a 122 percent increase in refined copper exports and a 77 percent jump in non-retail pure cotton yarn, indicates a positive shift toward enhancing Pakistan’s industrial manufacturing capacity. He added that overall bilateral trade, which hovered around 23 billion dollars annually with Chinese exports to Pakistan at over 20 billion dollars, demonstrates the massive scale of economic integration, though continuous efforts are required to narrow the trade deficit through increased value-added Pakistani exports.
Mian Zahid Hussain, who also serves as the Chairman of the Policy Advisory Board of the FPCCI, stated that the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor remains the shining flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative. He mentioned that the corridor has fundamentally transformed the local infrastructure landscape, with crucial components like the Gwadar Port poised to become a central hub for regional connectivity.
Looking ahead, Mian Zahid Hussain expressed great optimism regarding the transition into CPEC Phase 2.0, which prioritizes advanced industrialization, modern agricultural cooperation, technology transfers, and socio-economic development through special economic zones. He concluded that the upcoming official visit of Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif to China from 23 to 26 May 2026 will further institutionalize this partnership, ensuring that the benefits of this legendary friendship reach the grassroots level of the economy.
