Pakistan, China Sign $440M Health Deals | The Daily CPEC
Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharifsaid on Friday that protecting Chinese nationals in Pakistan remains the government’s highest priority. His remarks came as Pakistani and Chinese companies signed investment. . .
Prime MinisterShehbaz Sharifsaid on Friday that protecting Chinese nationals in Pakistan remains the government’s highest priority. His remarks came as Pakistani and Chinese companies signed investment agreements worth about$440 millionin the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. The agreements were signed during the Pakistan-China Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Business-to-Business Investment Conference in Islamabad. Around300 Chinese delegatesattended the event, making it one of the largest sector-focused business conferences under the second phase of theChina-Pakistan Economic Corridor. PM Reaffirms Security CommitmentAddressing the conference, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured Chinese investors of Pakistan’s full support. “The security of our Chinese brothers and sisters in Pakistan is paramount,” he said. He added that the government would continue strengthening security around Chinese personnel, businesses, and development projects. $440 Million Investment in HealthcareThe conference produced agreements worth about$440 million. These investments cover pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare services, and medical technology. Moreover, the projects will help Pakistan manufacture life-saving medicines and vaccines. They are also expected to increase exports to regional markets. CPEC 2. 0 Enters New PhaseThe prime minister described the agreements as another milestone forCPEC 2. 0. Unlike the first phase, the new stage focuses on private-sector partnerships and industrial investment. It also promotes cooperation in agriculture, information technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. Furthermore, Shehbaz Sharif said the government would ensure the agreements move quickly from signing to implementation. Pakistan-China Economic Cooperation ExpandsThe prime minister noted that China invested more than$30 billionduring the first phase of CPEC. He described China as one of Pakistan’s closest and most reliable partners. He also said economic cooperation continues to expand across multiple sectors. As a result, both countries are creating new opportunities for investment, technology transfer, and industrial growth. Regional Cooperation Remains StrongPrime Minister Shehbaz also praised China’s support for Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. He said Beijing backed Pakistan’s mediation between the United States and Iran, which contributed to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. In addition, he thanked Chinese PresidentXi Jinping, PremierLi Qiang, and Foreign MinisterWang Yifor supporting stronger bilateral relations. Investment Momentum ContinuesThe latest agreements build on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to China in May. During that visit, Pakistani and Chinese companies signed207 memorandums of understanding worth $7. 54 billion. The agreements covered battery storage, artificial intelligence, agriculture, fisheries, vaccine manufacturing, and advanced technology. Consequently, the new healthcare investments further strengthen Pakistan-China economic cooperation underCPEC 2. 0. Read More Articles:Pakistan, China Boost Border Security TiesDar Meets Wang Yi to Boost CPEC 2. 0DIPRA Hosts Defence Industry Seminar at POF