TFD Report
CHANGSHA: Asif Ali Zardari, currently on an official visit to China’s Hunan province, held high-level engagements aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, particularly in agriculture, industry and trade, while also exploring avenues for value-added collaboration with Chinese enterprises.
During his visit, the President met Shen Xiaoming and attended a banquet hosted in his honour by Mao Weiming. The discussions focused on enhancing practical cooperation in agriculture, health, education and trade, reaffirming the enduring strength of Pakistan-China relations.
President Zardari underscored that bilateral ties with China remain a cornerstone of Pakistan’s foreign policy, enjoying broad-based support across generations. Reflecting on his personal connection with China, he noted that his family, including former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, had always attached special importance to relations with Beijing, a legacy now being carried forward by the next generation.
Highlighting Hunan’s strengths in agricultural technology and innovation, the President expressed keen interest in collaboration in seed technology, agricultural research and modern farming practices. He also pointed to opportunities for expanding bilateral trade in agricultural machinery, minerals processing and information technology sectors.
As part of his engagements, the President visited Hunan Tea Group Co., Ltd., where he was briefed by Zhou Zhongwang on the company’s integrated operations and international market outreach. The group’s end-to-end model combines cultivation, processing, research, branding and marketing within a unified industrial framework, supported by ecological tea gardens and specialised production and distribution systems.
Officials informed the President that the company serves as a coordinating platform for the province’s tea sector, linking growers, research institutions and industry stakeholders while facilitating branding and export development. President Zardari toured the company’s history gallery, observed tea processing demonstrations and attended a tea tasting session.
Emphasising Pakistan’s agricultural potential, the President highlighted the importance of value addition and modern agro-processing in enhancing exports and improving farmers’ incomes. He invited the group to explore investment and collaboration opportunities in Pakistan, particularly in developing integrated supply chains and boosting agro-based exports.
During the meeting with provincial leadership, it was also noted that universities in Hunan have signed multiple cooperation agreements with Pakistani institutions, while nearly 1,000 Pakistani students are currently studying in the province, contributing to stronger people-to-people connections.
Speaking at the banquet, Governor Mao Weiming described Pakistan and China as “good friends, good neighbours, good partners and good brothers,” reiterating Hunan’s commitment to contributing to the development of CPEC 2.0. The President, in his remarks, observed that Hunan holds historical significance as the birthplace of Mao Zedong, whose legacy continues to inspire people globally.
He expressed confidence that the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and China would continue to deepen, noting significant potential for enhanced cooperation in sectors observed during his visit. The President also invited Shen Xiaoming to visit Pakistan in connection with the upcoming 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The delegation accompanying the President included Saleem Mandviwalla, Sharjeel Inam Memon, Ali Hassan Barohi, Syed Qasim Naveed Qamar, the Chief Secretary Sindh, Jiang Zaidong and Khalil Hashmi.
The visit highlights Pakistan’s ongoing efforts to translate its strategic partnership with China into tangible economic outcomes, particularly through collaboration in agriculture, technology and value-added industries.
