PM Shehbaz China visit set for May 23–26 as Pakistan deepens digital, trade ties: Dar

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will undertake the PM Shehbaz China visit from May 23 to May 26, aiming to strengthen Pakistan-China cooperation in trade, investment and digital economy.

The announcement was made in Islamabad during a ceremony marking new digital sector collaboration initiatives between the two countries.

When is PM Shehbaz visiting China?

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit China from May 23 to May 26, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The trip was announced during a public event in Islamabad. It comes as both countries expand cooperation beyond traditional infrastructure into digital and industrial sectors, including business-to-business engagement and investment forums.

Dar said the visit reflects growing Pakistan-China collaboration in emerging sectors, particularly under ongoing economic partnership frameworks. He added that the trip will include participation in a business-to-business forum aimed at increasing commercial linkages between companies in both countries.

Why is Pakistan expanding cooperation with China in digital sectors?

Dar said Pakistan and China are moving beyond traditional infrastructure projects under earlier phases of their economic corridor framework. He described a shift toward digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, ICT systems and advanced connectivity networks. The government views this transition as part of a broader effort to modernize economic cooperation.

He said initiatives like the launch of the IBI Pakistan Digital Economy Headquarters represent this shift toward what he called intelligent infrastructure. Officials described the development as part of efforts to deepen industrial and technological collaboration with Chinese partners.

What role will the business-to-business forum play during the visit?

The planned visit includes participation in a business-to-business investment forum designed to connect Pakistani and Chinese companies. Officials said the forum will focus on expanding trade ties, investment flows and joint ventures in sectors such as technology, agriculture and industry.

Dar said recent engagements with China have already produced billions of dollars in memorandums of understanding, with a portion of those agreements converted into active projects. The forum is expected to build on this momentum by encouraging direct corporate partnerships.

How does China-Pakistan cooperation fit into CPEC 2.0?

Officials said Pakistan-China cooperation is entering what they describe as CPEC 2.0, focusing on digital economy, smart cities and climate resilience. This phase shifts emphasis from roads, highways and energy projects toward data-driven infrastructure and technology-based development.

Dar said Pakistan is positioning itself for long-term economic growth supported by its young population and expanding information technology sector. He added that improved macroeconomic indicators, including easing inflation and lower interest rates, support this broader strategy for economic modernization.