PM reaffirms ‘all-weather-ties,’ welcomes Chinese digital economy investment push

• Premier Shehbaz meets 11-member Chinese business delegation led by IBI chief Qian Xiaojun

• Reaffirms Pakistan-China ‘historic and iron-clad’ strategic partnership, welcoming IBI Digital Economy Headquarters establishment in Pakistan

• Says digital economy cooperation key to investment and industrial growth, expressing confidence in China’s economic progress under Xi Jinping

• Chinese firm eyes SMEs access to vast Chinese market through Pakistan hub

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s “historic and all-weather” ties with China, expressing satisfaction over expanding business-to-business cooperation and welcoming the growing role of Chinese investment in Pakistan’s digital and industrial transformation.

He was talking to a high-level 11-member Chinese business delegation led by Qian Xiaojun, founder, president and controlling shareholder of IBI Beijing United Technology, which called on him in Islamabad, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

Islamabad : 15 May 2026.

A high-level 11-member Chinese business delegation led by Mr. Qian Xiaojun, Founder, President & Controlling Shareholder of IBI Beijing United Technology called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister's House.

While welcoming… pic.twitter.com/VLlwJYkoDr

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) May 15, 2026

Welcoming the delegation, the prime minister said Pakistan and China enjoyed deep-rooted historic relations and remained “all-weather strategic cooperative partners.” He also lauded China’s remarkable economic progress under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and expressed anticipation of his upcoming visit to China later this month.

A Chinese business delegation of IBI Beijing United Technology called on Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad. pic.twitter.com/a2jVYst6XQ

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 15, 2026

The prime minister highlighted the importance of strengthening business-to-business engagement between the two countries, noting that cooperation in the digital economy, investment facilitation and industrial collaboration was particularly encouraging.

During the meeting, Shehbaz Sharif appreciated IBI Group’s decision to establish its Digital Economy Headquarters in Pakistan, terming it a significant step towards accelerating Pakistan’s digital transformation and expanding opportunities for local industry and enterprises.

وزیرِ اعظم محمد شہباز شریف سے آئی بی آئی بیجنگ یونائیٹڈ ٹیکنالوجی کے بانی، صدر اور کنٹرولنگ شیئر ہولڈر چیان شیاو جون کی قیادت میں 11 رکنی اعلیٰ سطحی چینی کاروباری وفد کی ملاقات

وفد کو پاکستان آمد پر خوش آمدید کہتے ہوئے وزیرِ اعظم نے کہا کہ پاکستان اور چین کے درمیان تاریخی تعلقات… pic.twitter.com/0FuO9rGZgA

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 15, 2026

Expressing confidence in Pakistan’s economic potential, Qian Xiaojun said IBI aimed to support the development of a strong digital backbone for Pakistan’s economy. He added that the company’s Digital Economy Headquarters in Pakistan would serve as a “command centre” for transformation and provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan with access to the vast Chinese market.

The delegation’s visit followed the Pakistan-China B2B Investment Conference held in Beijing in September 2025 during the prime minister’s visit to China.

Senior cabinet members including Federal Minister for Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, Federal Minister for IT & Telecom Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervez Malik, SAPM Industries & Production Haroon Akhtar Khan, SAPM Tariq Fatemi, and other senior officials were also present during the meeting.

PM felicitates Bulgarian PM Rumen Radev on assumption of office

Separately, PM Shehbaz felicitates Bulgarian leadership on assumption of office

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also extended warm felicitations to Rumen Radev on his assumption of the office of Prime Minister of Bulgaria, expressing Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen bilateral relations.

In a letter addressed to Radev, the prime minister said his election reflected the trust and confidence of the people of Bulgaria in his leadership.

He noted that Pakistan and Bulgaria enjoy friendly relations based on mutual respect and goodwill, and expressed confidence that ties would continue to strengthen under the new leadership.

Shehbaz Sharif said he looked forward to working closely with the Bulgarian government to further expand cooperation in diverse fields, adding that he wished Radev continued success, good health and prosperity for the people of Bulgaria.

Earlier, on April 22, the prime minister had also congratulated Rumen Radev on his party’s victory in the Bulgarian parliamentary elections, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.