Pakistan, China boost digital economy cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday met with a high-level Chinese business delegation to discuss cooperation in Pakistan’s digital economy, Press Information Department reported.

The 11-member Chinese delegation, led by Qian Xiaojun, founder and president of IBI Beijing United Technology, met Shehbaz at the Prime Minister’s House. The prime minister welcomed the group, describing Pakistan and China as “All-Weather Strategic Cooperative Partners” with historic ties.

He praised China’s progress under President Xi Jinping and said he looked forward to his upcoming visit to Beijing later this month.

Shehbaz lauded IBI Group’s decision to establish its “Pakistan digital economy headquarters” in the country, calling it a sign of growing business-level cooperation. He said the initiative would promote collaboration in the digital economy, investment, and industry, while expressing confidence in Pakistan’s economic outlook.

Qian said IBI aimed to help build a digital backbone for Pakistan’s economic transformation. He added that the headquarters would serve as a command center, creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises by connecting them to the Chinese market.

The delegation’s visit followed the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference held in Beijing in September 2025 during Shehbaz’s trip. Federal ministers and senior officials also attended the meeting.

Direct Flights to U.S.

In a separate meeting, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Paul Kapur and Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker that Pakistan was keen to see the early launch of direct flights between the two countries.

Naqvi said Pakistan-U.S. relations had strengthened during President Donald Trump’s tenure, describing them as rooted in mutual trust and cooperation.

He noted that Pakistan had ensured “foolproof security” for American companies working on the Reko Diq mining project in Balochistan, where the United States has earmarked $1.3 billion for copper and gold extraction. Commercial production is expected to begin in 2028.

The minister’s remarks came after Pakistan International Airlines resumed direct flights to London earlier this year following a six-year suspension, with plans to expand services from Lahore.

Both sides also discussed regional developments, including the Middle East conflict. Naqvi expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, while Kapur praised Pakistan’s role in promoting stability.

Pakistan brokered a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran in April, followed by talks in Islamabad, though no agreement was reached. Negotiations continue as both sides exchange proposals to end the conflict, which has disrupted global energy supplies.