Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday said that Pakistan’s recent agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) would not have been possible without financial and diplomatic support extended by China.
Going to a ceremony in Islamabad for selected agriculture graduates to train in China, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described Beijing as the “most sincere friend” of Pakistan and accredited the country for playing a decisive role in stabilization of Pakistan’s fighter economy.
The Prime Minister recognized the continuous economic association of China, particularly pointing out the extension of one year of a loan reimbursement of $ 2 billion last month, which provided a very necessary relief for Pakistan’s currency reserves.
Pakistan obtained a rescue package of $ 7 billion from the IMF in September 2024 to avoid a balance of payments. An agreement was reached at the personnel level in March 2025 after a successful review of the first section of the program, with the support of China considered critical for the end of the agreement.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said that China had constantly supported Pakistan’s economy through investments in infrastructure, energy and industrial projects under the economic corridor of China-Pakistan (CPEC), which once again described as a “lifeguard” for the country.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the commitment of his government to review the agricultural sector, qualifying it to guarantee national food security, increase the export potential and improve life in rural areas.
As part of a government initiative to strengthen the sector, 1,000 graduates of Pakistani agriculture will receive training in China in modern agriculture techniques, digital crop management and climate resistant practices. The first group of 300 graduates will be departed soon for a three -month program, followed by two additional lots in stages training during the next year.
During the event, Sharif congratulated outgoing students and expressed the hope that their training directly contributes to agricultural innovation and productivity once they return.
Chinese ambassador Jiang Zaidong, who also attended the ceremony, praised Pakistan’s economic progress during the past year and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to bilateral cooperation. He said that China would continue to work closely with Pakistan, particularly in the modernization of its agricultural sector.
Jiang said that Chinese president, Xi Jinping, attributed great importance to the development of Pakistan and the long association between the two nations.
