Pakistan-China Cooperation: Seminar highlights stronger economic partnership and future opportunities

Pakistan-China Cooperation took centre stage at a high-level seminar in Karachi, where diplomats, policymakers, business leaders and academics reaffirmed their commitment to expanding bilateral economic ties and strengthening collaboration under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

The Economic Diplomacy Forum (EDF), in collaboration with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi, organised its third high-level seminar to mark the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The event, titled “Celebrating 105 Years of the Communist Party of China: Lessons, Opportunities and the Future of Pakistan–China Economic Cooperation,” brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business representatives, academics, media professionals and civil society.

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Delivering the welcome address, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal, Founder President of the Economic Diplomacy Forum, said China’s transformation into the world’s second-largest economy offers valuable lessons in long-term planning, industrialisation, technological innovation, poverty reduction and economic governance. He said Pakistan can strengthen its development by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, technology transfer, industrial collaboration, human resource development and regional connectivity.

In his keynote address, Feng Deheng, Acting Consul General of China in Karachi, highlighted the achievements of the Communist Party of China over the past 105 years and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to its All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with Pakistan. He said high-quality development under CPEC, industrial cooperation, innovation, sustainable development and people-to-people exchanges will remain key pillars of future bilateral relations.

In a recorded video message, Chinese scholar Professor Rong Ying said the CPC’s development model had transformed China into a global economic power while lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. He called for stronger academic collaboration, policy dialogue and research partnerships between Pakistan and China to create new opportunities for cooperation.

Dr. Huma Baqai stressed the importance of educational cooperation, intellectual engagement and cultural exchanges, saying China’s development model provides valuable policy lessons for countries pursuing sustainable economic growth and institutional reform.

Former CPEC Authority Chairman Khalid Mansoor said the next phase of CPEC should prioritise industrialisation, export-led growth, energy security, value-added manufacturing and greater private-sector participation. He urged Pakistan to capitalise on emerging opportunities to attract Chinese investment and accelerate economic modernisation.

Additional Secretary Investment, Government of Sindh, Behzad Amir Memon highlighted Sindh’s role as Pakistan’s economic hub and reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for domestic and foreign investment, particularly from Chinese businesses.

Guest of Honour Zubair Motiwala emphasised the private sector’s role in strengthening bilateral economic cooperation. He called for closer collaboration in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, technology and industrial development while encouraging stronger business-to-business partnerships.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal thanked the Consulate General of China, distinguished speakers and participants for contributing to the seminar’s success. He reaffirmed the Economic Diplomacy Forum’s commitment to promoting economic diplomacy as a tool for strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation.

The event concluded with a ceremonial cake-cutting to mark the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China. Appreciation shields were presented to the speakers and the Acting Consul General, while Feng Deheng presented a book authored by Xi Jinping to Dr. Muhammad Farooq Afzal as a gesture of goodwill.

Participants ended the seminar by reaffirming their commitment to expanding trade, investment, industrial collaboration and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and China.