Pakistan and China are expected to sign more than 100 Memorandums of Understanding worth around $5 billion during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China from May 24 to 26, in what could be one of the biggest investment and cooperation packages announced between the two countries in recent years.
According to sources, about 90 percent of the agreements will be business-to-business deals, highlighting growing private sector engagement between Pakistan and China. The remaining 10 percent are expected to be government-to-business agreements. Preparations for the signing ceremony and related meetings have reportedly already been completed.
During the visit, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang. The talks are expected to focus on expanding economic cooperation, increasing investment flows, and reviewing the regional security situation.
A major part of the proposed agreements is linked to agriculture, where both sides are expected to announce cooperation in agri-processing, poultry and dairy farming, fruits and vegetables processing, fisheries, animal vaccines, cold chain logistics, fertilizers, seeds, and agricultural chemicals.
These agreements are aimed at improving Pakistan’s agricultural value chain and boosting productivity through technology transfer and fresh investment.
Technology and industrial cooperation are also expected to feature prominently. Sources said the upcoming package may include agreements in information technology, fintech, e-commerce, cloud computing, telecommunications, and advanced manufacturing.
Additional cooperation is also likely in electric vehicle parts production as well as mobile phone and laptop battery manufacturing, sectors Pakistan is looking to develop as part of its industrial modernization plans.
The expected agreements come at a time when Pakistan is trying to attract more foreign investment and diversify exports as macroeconomic conditions show improvement.
China remains Pakistan’s largest bilateral investor, with cumulative investment under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor exceeding $25 billion since 2015. The new agreements are expected to build on that base by expanding cooperation beyond traditional infrastructure projects and increasing private sector participation.
To ensure follow-through, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a high-level committee headed by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar Khan. The committee will oversee implementation of the agreements, coordinate with ministries, and help resolve any issues that arise during execution.
