Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has embarked on an official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, commencing with his arrival in Tianjin. The Prime Minister is accompanied by key officials, including Finance Minister and Vice Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb, and Advisor Tariq Fatemi.

The Prime Minister’s visit includes participation in the 25th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, where he will address the gathering and outline Pakistan’s stance on important regional matters such as peace initiatives, enhanced connectivity, and development advancements. He will also highlight the detrimental effects of climate change and the increasing frequency of natural disasters impacting regional countries. Meetings with other world leaders attending the summit are also scheduled.

Following the SCO Summit, Sharif will travel to Beijing at the special invitation of President Xi Jinping to mark the 80th anniversary of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance. Bilateral talks with President Xi and Premier Li Qiang will be a key part of this leg of the visit.

Boosting economic ties is also high on the agenda. The Prime Minister will preside over the second Business-to-Business (B2B) Investment Conference, aimed at promoting China-Pakistan trade and attracting Chinese investment. He will engage with leaders of Chinese corporations, showcasing the government’s investor-friendly policies and inviting them to explore opportunities in Pakistan.