ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is leaving for Beijing today on a two-day official visit to China. It is the maiden visit of Shehbaz Sharif to China as Prime Minister of Pakistan. His Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang invited PM Shehbaz Sharif to visit China.
He is being accompanied by a high-level delegation, including Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto.
Pakistan and China are expected to sign MOUs and agreements for several bilateral investment projects involving billions of dollars during the visit of PM Shehbaz. Pakistan is also seeking rescheduling of Chinese loans.
Pakistan is negotiating rescheduling of about $6 billion worth Chinese loans, which are maturing in next eight months of the ongoing fiscal year.
The move is part of the government’s strategy to arrange $34 billion in 2022-23 to meet its debt and balance of payment obligations.
According to officials of Economic Affairs Division, the rollover of $6 billion Chinese loans was discussed in a recent meeting between Finance Minister Ishaq Dar and Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan Nong Rong.
Premier will also meet President Xi Jinping and hold delegation-level talks with Premier Li Keqiang.
Both the countries officials will review the All-Weather Strategic Cooperation Partnership and also discuss regional and global developments.
Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Zhao Lijian during his briefing in Beijing said China warmly welcomes Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit, starting from today (Nov 1).
Zhao Lijian said China looks forward to further advancing high-level strategic cooperation with Pakistan.
