By Zahid Karani
KARACHI: Pakistan–China economic cooperation took centre stage at a high-level seminar held in Karachi to mark the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), with speakers calling for deeper collaboration in trade, investment, industrial development and technology.
The third high-level seminar was organised by the Economic Diplomacy Forum (EDF) in collaboration with the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Karachi under the theme, “Celebrating 105 Years of the Communist Party of China: Lessons, Opportunities and the Future of Pakistan–China Economic Cooperation.”
The event brought together members of the consular corps, senior government officials, business leaders, academics, media representatives and civil society members to reflect on China’s development journey and discuss ways to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
In his welcome address, Dr Muhammad Farooq Afzal, founder president of the Economic Diplomacy Forum, said China’s transformation into the world’s second-largest economy offered important lessons in long-term planning, industrialisation, poverty reduction, technological innovation and economic governance. He said Pakistan could benefit from China’s experience by expanding cooperation in trade, investment, industrial partnerships, technology transfer, human resource development and regional connectivity through effective economic diplomacy.
Delivering the keynote address, Feng Deheng, Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic 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 future cooperation should focus on high-quality development under the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), industrial collaboration, innovation, sustainable development and stronger people-to-people exchanges.
In a recorded video message, Chinese scholar Professor Rong Ying said the CPC’s development philosophy had helped transform China into a global economic power while lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty. He said greater academic cooperation, policy dialogue and research partnerships between Pakistan and China would strengthen mutual understanding and create new opportunities for collaboration.
Dr Huma Baqai highlighted the importance of educational cooperation, intellectual engagement and cultural exchanges in deepening bilateral relations. She said China’s development model provided valuable policy lessons for developing countries seeking sustainable economic growth and stronger institutions.
Former CPEC Authority chairman Khalid Mansoor said the next phase of CPEC should prioritise industrialisation, export-led growth, energy security, value-added manufacturing and increased private sector participation. He urged Pakistan to make full use of emerging opportunities to attract Chinese investment and accelerate economic modernisation.
Behzad Amir Memon, Additional Secretary for Investment in the Government of Sindh, described the province as Pakistan’s economic hub and reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for domestic and foreign investment, particularly from Chinese companies.
Guest of honour Zubair Motiwala stressed the importance of the private sector in strengthening economic cooperation between the two countries. He called for greater collaboration in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, technology and industrial development, alongside stronger business-to-business partnerships.
In his closing remarks, Dr Farooq Afzal thanked the Acting Consul General, the Chinese Consulate team, guest speakers, members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, business leaders, academics, media representatives and participants for contributing to the seminar’s success. He reaffirmed the Economic Diplomacy Forum’s commitment to promoting economic diplomacy as a means of strengthening bilateral and regional cooperation.
A ceremonial cake-cutting was held to mark the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China, symbolising the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China.
The event concluded with appreciation shields being presented to the speakers and the Acting Consul General in recognition of their contributions. On behalf of the Chinese Consulate General, Feng Deheng also presented a book authored by Xi Jinping to Dr Muhammad Farooq Afzal as a gesture of goodwill and friendship.
Participants ended the seminar by reaffirming their commitment to promoting dialogue, mutual understanding and practical cooperation to expand trade, investment, industrial collaboration and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and China.
