Overview

• China’s consul general in Karachi lauded the visit as deepening the time-tested strategic partnership between the two countries.
• President Zardari welcomed the start of CPEC Phase II, describing a shift toward people-centred growth with a focus on innovation, agriculture and export development.
• Zardari witnessed six MoUs in transportation, waste recycling, energy, education and agriculture, including a coal gasification and fertilizer plant planned for Thar, which officials said is intended to benefit the whole country.
• The tour prioritized provincial engagement with stops in Shanghai, Urumqi, Kashgar and Sichuan, and Pakistani officials said Zardari was the first head of state from Pakistan to visit Kashgar at China’s invitation.
• A visit to AVIC featured briefings on Chinese aerospace capabilities, and Pakistani officials said the interactions could lead to future defence procurement, though no contracts were announced.